Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 97, April 15, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
We are back on our normal schedule so we will be publishing a Daily tomorrow. Our latest tip contest ends tonight at midnight.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Magic (English Springer Spaniel), Lily (Dalmation) and Patty
- JoJo Rescued!
Today's Tips:
- Cleaning Window Tips
- Laundry Tips
- Grilling Pork Chops
- Prolong the Life of Your Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
- Saving Money on Swiffer Mops
- Using an Electric Knife
- Lamb Costume
- Outside Windows the Easy Way!
- If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
- Clean It With Coffee
- Frugal Turkey Enchiladas
- Cheap Personalized Bags For Kids
- Saving Money on Wrapping Paper
- Avoid "Skip Payment" and "No Payments or Interest Until" Offers
- Starting Seeds
- Set Price Limits When Shopping
- Wrapping Awkward Items
- National Don't Call Registry - Stop Most of those Annoying Telemarketing Calls
- Unusual Gift Wrapping Ideas
- Saving Money on Flowers
- Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling (Low Fat)
- Ham Rolls
- Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts
- Peach Praline Pie
- Pudding Pecan Pie
New Requests:
- Boiled Baby Wipes
- Paint On Wood Floors
- Fixing a Squeaky Couch
- 80th Birthday Ideas
- Cleaning Window Tips
- Crochet Swimsuit For a Doll
- Cake Dye On Shirt
- 50th Anniversary Ideas?
- Motor Oil On A Sweater
More Reading:
- Making Do With Less -- in the Kitchen!
- Venturing Outside of Your Comfort Zone
- Your Checking Account
- Taking Kids for a Hike
- How To Have A Life Of Joy
Search ThriftyFun Using Google: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make
11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures
of the crafts visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/columnists/harlean.html
Today's Photo Contest Entries
Magic (English Springer Spaniel), Lily (Dalmation) and Patty
Think ahead when buying clothes, slipcovers, etc. If you have a black dog or cat, buy dark colors. If you have a white pet, buy light colors. Of course, Magic, my English springer spaniel (pictured here with me and his friend, Lily the dalmatian) is black AND white. So I find that prints and tweeds work best to disguise the dog hair. Be smarter than the dog, I always say!
By (Patty) zballoongirl
For Magic Ball's previous photo entry Click Here
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
JoJo Rescued!
Here's my JoJo. He's a rescue from PCDS, Hartselle, AL. What a guy! He's smart and happy, tripping over his own big feet.
By Cindy Yeary
View Photo and 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
Cleaning Window Tips
Tips for cleaning windows. Post your ideas.
Squeegee and Dawn
I was reading your newsletter about cleaning windows, and I thought I would share a good, cheap tip. My Husband and I have had a cleaning business for over 11 years now, and we have tried a lot of different methods for cleaning windows.
But, the easiest and cheapest way is to use about 10 drops of Dawn detergent in a bucket of cool water. Then use a squeegee that has the sponge on one side and the squeegee on the other side. Dip into bucket, dripping wet, wash down window and immediately squeegee off. Just go around corners quickly with dry cloth. No need to rinse. Be sure to put down towels or something absorbent on window sill when doing inside windows. Dawn makes the windows sparkle.
By Sheila McDonald
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Laundry Tips
Post your favorite laundry tips.
Dissolve Detergent
When washing clothes, I always add the detergent into the filling machine tub before I add any clothing, and I manually swish the agitator around a bit by hand to help dissolve and evenly distribute the detergent. I think this helps increase the cleaning power of my laundry detergent.
By Tori
Editor's Note: It also helps prevent stains from laundry detergent.
View Article: Click Here
Grilling Pork Chops
When grilling pork chops, it's very important to have the heat hot enough to be able to hear the meat sizzling over the coals. While steaks need to be cooked on a very hot fire. Let the flames come up around the steak to seal in the natural juices.
By Terri H.
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Prolong the Life of Your Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
Cut your Mr. Clean Magic Erasers into smaller pieces (I cut in quarters) to prolong their useful life.
By Tori
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Saving Money on Swiffer Mops
Clean Swiffer Dusting Cloths
Wash your Swiffer cloths in the washing machine on a delicate cycle and reuse as many times as possible. They pick up lint from clothing items, so wash only with other Swiffers or put in a mesh bag to keep the pills away.
By truerblue
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Using an Electric Knife
Use it for everything in the kitchen, including partially frozen meat, cooked meats, veggies (tomatoes, etc.) bagels, breads, etc.
By truerblue
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Lamb Costume
I saw a sweet little halloween costume yesterday. It was a lamb costume. She'd used a black long sleeved bodysuit and glued white pompoms on the belly and made ears with a plastic hair band covered in black felt and hot glued ears with black,white and pink felt. She said it took about 3 bags of pompoms to cover the belly part. Really cute!
MamawKC
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Outside Windows the Easy Way!
Into a bucket place:
1 cup Cascade
Fill bucket with hot water
Notice the suds! If they go away during the cleaning process, pour mixture out and start over.
Wet window with hose. Using a "clean" (this is important) car washing brush (with handle), dip the brush in cascade solution then scrub window and frame beginning at the top, rinse.
DO NOT PUT DIRTY BRUSH IN CASCADE SOLUTION, RINSE BRUSH OFF WITH HOSE FIRST!
Rinse each window and window facing before proceeding to next section (ie: if window is large, wash top, rinse and then do bottom.)
The object here is to rinse windows before solution dries. I can do the top and bottom of one window before I have to rinse. If your Cascade solution dries, you have to do entire window over.
I have 20 long windows on my ground floor. I can clean all of them in about 30 minutes.
Added benefit: this solution also gets rid of spiders living in your windows.
By Frances S. Willis
View Article: Click Here
If It Sounds Too Good to Be True...
This goes back to the old saying "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". We were offered a two day-one night package at a local resort for only $40CAN. We had to go up for a "tour" first. Turns out the tour was a very aggressive sales pitch to purchase a time share, or "vacation ownership".
If they call you, don't take the bait - don't waste your time and nerves on this "deal"
By Liz
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Clean It With Coffee
The best way to remove ugly coffee stains in your favorite coffee cup is to take a paper towel or cloth, dip it in coffee, (cold coffee words just as good) and wipe the stains away with ease. The acids in the coffee cut right through the stains. Afterward you may put it in the dishwasher or hand wash with soap to complete the process.
By Bob in Richland
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Frugal Turkey Enchiladas
I decided to use up the last of a turkey that I had in the freezer by making enchiladas. I was appalled to find that the enchilada sauce was well over $2.50 a can. Instead, I bought a packet of enchilada sauce mix for 50 cents, and the required can of tomato paste which was in my cupboard cost 33 cents, bought at Big Lots. Total $ .83 for the sauce which would have cost me over $2.5 ready made.
I made a pan of turkey enchiladas, and then used up some taco meat and made a smaller pan of enchiladas in a pan lined with foil, and popped it in to the freezer. Not counting the meat I figure the total cost to be $.83 for the sauce, $1 for the tortillas and $1 for cheese to top both pans. Not too shabby!
By Linda
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Cheap Personalized Bags For Kids
It's spring and my friends ALL seem to be having babies! I've always had a special place in my heart for the "Big sister/brother" and tried to find a good 'gift' for them as well so they don't feel left out. I FOUND IT! I bought small solid colored canvas bags at my local craft store for under $2 each (less with a coupon/on sale) and used washable paint pens ($5 for a good set I can use over and over) to decorate the bags with the child's name or initials (if you're leery about putting a child's name on something for stranger danger).
I print the name (or big sis) on the computer and use a pencil to transfer it to the bag (so it's neat and centered). They also have all kinds of fancy iron ons available. I drew flowers on one, a bear on another. They've been a hit and so cheap! It's been a great way to provide a personalized 'big sister/brother' gift along with the new baby present without breaking the bank.
By Dana
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Saving Money on Wrapping Paper
Tips for saving money on wrapping paper. Post your ideas.
Thrifty Gift Wrap
For gift wrap, don't overlook your possibilities: newsprint, postal paper, architectural drawings or maps.
By Terri H.
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Avoid "Skip Payment" and "No Payments or Interest Until" Offers
When shopping, avoid "skip payment" offers as they cause you to pay more interest and face larger bills. Also, avoid "buy now and pay later" offers, which encourage you to spend money you don't have.
By Terri H.
Editor's Note: One thing to keep in mind about many "No payments or interest until..." offers is quite often once the no payment period has past, they not only start charging you interest on the balance but also charge you the back interest that you thought you saved.
The way to take advantage of these offers is to ensure that you actually pay off the balance before the end of the promotional period. Read the terms VERY carefully because their goal is to make sure that you DO pay interest.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Starting Seeds
Tips for starting seeds. Post your ideas.
Using Disposable Roasting Pans
Use disposable roasting pans to start flowers and seeds inside. Only $1.00 each at a dollar store, and way cheaper than the "official starters".
By Liz
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Set Price Limits When Shopping
Before your shopping trip, make a list of items you intend on purchasing. Going to the store with a list in hand you may be less likely to buy on impulse. Set a price limit so you'll not overspend. It's the thought that counts, not how much you've spent!
By Terri H.
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Wrapping Awkward Items
Wrap awkwardly shaped items in soft, flexible materials, like scarves, decorative towels or lace, rather than struggling with creasing wrapping paper.
By Terri H.
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National Don't Call Registry - Stop Most of those Annoying Telemarketing Calls
Register up to 3 phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry at http://www.donotcall.gov
Works with cell phone numbers as well as land line telephones.
By truerblue
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Unusual Gift Wrapping Ideas
Use your imagination when it comes to gift wrapping. Use things around your house, that you no longer need, such as decorative tins, a pretty mug, flower pots, glass jars, canisters. You can even put gift wrap around a coffee can, or a Pringles potato chip can. You can spray paint cottage cheese containers a pretty gold color and add a pretty bow. You get my drift, you don't need to buy gift boxes at the store, for your gift giving, whatever the holiday or event!
By Terri H.
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Saving Money on Flowers
Tips for saving money on flowers. Post your ideas.
An Abundance of Flowers
When Spring is approaching and I don't have much money to buy flowers to set out. I usually buy 2 or 3 small packs and take some clippings and root my own. Then you can have an abundance of flowers blooming all summer. Also I make my own hanging baskets.
By Cynthia Eldred
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Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling (Low Fat)
Two Ingredients:
- 1 box 1-step angel food cake mix (like Betty Crocker, etc.)
- 1 can pie filling (cherry, etc.)
Directions:
Mix the cake mix and pie filling together according to the cake directions EXCEPT DO NOT ADD ANY WATER TO THE MIX EVEN THOUGH CAKE DIRECTIONS CALL FOR WATER. Bake in a 9 x 13 inch pan according to the cake mix directions on the box. Simple, low fat, and delicious!
By truerblue
View Article: Click Here
Ham Rolls
Ingredients:
- 5 1/2 lbs. ham loaf mixture
- 3 eggs (beaten)
- 2 cup milk
- 3 cup graham cracker crumbs
Sauce:
- 2 cans tomato soup
- 3/4 cup vinegar
- 2 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 2 tsp. dry mustard
Directions:
Combine and pour over rolls. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Orange Glazed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Italian dressing
- 6 oz. orange juice (frozen concentrate)
- 2 cups orange marmalade
- 4-6 boneless chicken breasts
Directions:
Arrange chicken breasts in 9x13 inch baking dish and pour dressing over chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove breasts from dressing. Stir orange juice and marmalade into reserved dressing, and pour over breasts. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Peach Praline Pie
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peeled & sliced peaches
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. quick cooking tapioca
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
Praline Layer:
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 1 unbaked pie shell (9 inch)
Directions:
Combine peaches, sugar, tapioca, and lemon juice in large bowl; let stand for 15 minutes. Combine flour, brown sugar, and pecans in small bowl; cut in butter with fork or mix with fingertips until mixture is crumbly. Makes 1 1/3 cups. Sprinkle 1/3 of praline mixture over bottom of pie shell; cover with peach mixture. Sprinkle remaining praline mixture over peaches, allowing peach layer to show, if desired. Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes longer or until peaches are tender and topping is golden brown.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Pudding Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup white syrup
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 slightly beaten egg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 unbaked pie shell
Directions:
Blend pudding mix and syrup; gradually add evaporated milk and egg and blend. Add pecans. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 375 degrees until top is firm and just begins to crack (about 40 minutes). Cool for about 3 hours before serving.
By Robin
View Article: 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 Prize! Now a $50.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $50.00 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 April 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:
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New Requests:
Boiled Baby Wipes
What is the recipe for boiled baby wipes? I saw it some time ago and would appreciate the recipe again.
Thanks,
Rona
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Paint On Wood Floors
How do you get paint off wood floors?
Thanks,
Dennis from Michigan
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Fixing a Squeaky Couch
My couch squeaks. It's only 2 yrs old and we've never bounced on it. It doesn't matter where you sit down but it squeaks. It's getting louder as the days go by. Does anybody know what to do to stop a squeaky couch?
Lawleete
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80th Birthday Ideas
I am in need of ideas for my Father In Law's 80th birhday. I would like for it to be a surprise. His health is really bad so we would have to have it at his house. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Martha from TN
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Cleaning Window Tips
Tips for cleaning windows. Post your ideas.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Saving Money on Swiffer Mops
Any one have any hints on how to save money on Swiffer mops? Both the cleaner and the mop heads.
Gen from Kansas
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Crochet Swimsuit For a Doll
Does anyone have a pattern or know a website for a swimsuit for a "Water Baby" or similar size doll? We have 3 baby dolls and we are taking them to the pool naked all the time! Help me cover them up! Thanks!
Brandy
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Cake Dye On Shirt
I'm trying to get red dye (from cake) out of a grey shirt. It doesn't belong to me so I need to do it ASAP. Please help.
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50th Anniversary Ideas?
My parent's 50th anniversary is fast approaching and my brother, sister and I would like to plan a party, however, we all live in different states and each are about 1000 miles away from my parents! We've discussed meeting in our parents town and taking them out to dinner or planning a party for local family and friends. None of us have much money to spend, but we'd like to make the occasion special. Any and all suggestions would be appreaciated!
chima0692
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Motor Oil On A Sweater
My husband has got motor engine oil on a new grey sweater. How can I remove it?
Valerie
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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit
your request here: Click Here
Today's Sponsors
11 Craft Designs By House of Greathouse
Just $5.00 (including shipping) for instructions on how to make
11 unique craft designs on CD. For more information and pictures
of the crafts visit:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/columnists/harlean.html
More Reading:
Making Do With Less -- in the Kitchen!
By Cyndi Roberts
Making do with less versus making more money: another definition for "frugal"!
Here are some ideas to help you make do with less in the kitchen!
Stretch a meatloaf by adding oatmeal, or rice.
View Article: Click Here
Venturing Outside of Your Comfort Zone
By Maria Gracia
We live a life of choices. If you had a choice between comfort and risk, which would you take?
Most people would choose comfort.
View Article: Click Here
Your Checking Account
By Terry Rigg
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can either have a checking account or run to the bank or other outlet for money orders. Many people pay for almost everything with a check including groceries, gas, clothes and a long list of other things. When you add an ATM card to this picture, your chances for a potential problem is greatly enhanced.
View Article: Click Here
Taking Kids for a Hike
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
With a little planning and forethought, hiking with children can be a fun and rewarding experience. Hiking is a wonderful way to help them develop a love and respect for nature, stimulate their imagination and encourage them to stay active.
View Article: Click Here
How To Have A Life Of Joy
By Steve Goodier
Do you know how to have a life of joy?
A businessman on his deathbed called his friend and said, "Bill, I want you to promise me that when I die you will have my remains cremated." "And what," his friend asked, "do you want me to do with your ashes?" The businessman said, "Just put them in an envelope and mail them to the Internal Revenue Service and write on the envelope, 'NOW YOU HAVE EVERYTHING!'"
View Article: Click Here
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