Daily Thrifty Tips - October 24, 2006

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Ingredients

• Two Quart cans of unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1 can of frozen lemonade
• Cranberry juice
• latex gloves (unpowdered)
• Oranges

Directions

The night before your party, rinse two latex gloves out and fill gloves with cranberry juice, tie closed and place in the freezer.

Mix the lemonade and the pineapple juice. Slice oranges and add a few to the punch bowl. Cut the latex off the frozen red hand. Place one hand in the punch bowl, when that melts you can add the second one.

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This is Mike playing in the leaves! What a handsome young man he is turning out to be.

By Michele from Calhoun KY

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Supplies

• 1 can of Jumbo Olives
• 2 latex gloves (non powdered)
• Extra cubes of ice

Directions

Rinse each latex glove out completely. Fill each with water and tie a knot at the end (you may want to fill it not quite full and lay it on it's back so that the fingers aren't so big you can't fit the olives on the fingers). Place in the freezer, let freeze completely. Just before you want the chilling hands to be presented, with a knife cut the latex glove off the ice hand.

Fill a bowl partially full with ice cubes and place both ice hands inside, using the cubes to hold them in place. Place an olive on each finger and put the rest of the olives in the bowl.

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If you don't want to buy snow pants, just spray an old pair of jeans with water repellant. Wear a pair of long johns underneath to help keep you warm.

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If they go outside it's important that the little ones stay warm - just put them in matching colorful sweatshirt and pants and pair that with a good mask or hat! (for ex. - a red outfit with a devil hat and pitchfork, or a cherub in pink with an improvised halo and maybe a sash around the shoulders... you get the idea). You can get accessories really cheap nowadays at the dollar store!

By Pam from Los Angeles

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Brown rice is just like any other rice. You can use it in any other recipe, so long as you allow extra cooking time. We have eaten it exclusively for about 25 years. It makes wonderful pilafs, rice pudding, and risottos. We buy long grain, which cooks in about 30 minutes. It's about $8 for 25 pounds, and that's a year's supply for us. Good luck!

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

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To conserve water while showering in a two-knob shower, only turn water down when you adjust the temperature. If you want it colder, for instance, turn the hot knob down, and vice-versa.

By Nicole from Chicago

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I have a pal, whose husband thinks her Mom is the best cook! She uses a lot of her Mom's recipes in her meal preparations. One day, while she was preparing potato salad, by her Mom's recipe, her hubby caught her putting pickle juice in it. While he likes pickles, he hates pickle juice (?). He got all upset for her doing this. She had to call her Mom to get her hubby calmed down. Her words of advice are to prepare dishes when your hubby isn't around, for 'just in case' you use something in it, that he doesn't like, he doesn't see it. She said if he likes your cooking and eats it every meal, be glad!

By Terri from NV

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Here's how to avoid the flu and many other illnesses each year:

Beginning Oct. 15th each year, until May 15th the following year, we stop eating out, even if we are treated to it because many sick folks are too sick to cook, but not too sick to go out. (I'll never figure that one out, but it's true according to one restaurant owner and his staff.)

We do not drink a lot of fruit juices because it sets us up for a systemic yeast infection without plenty of sunlight and activity available, and because we live in a moist region which feeds yeast/molds which lower the immune system.

We drink much more hot herbal teas and water than milk-based drinks.

When able to purchase, I choose only frozen, low-salt canned, and only very few prepackaged fresh veggies to minimize picking up the uncovered ones coughed on/handled by inconsiderate sick folks and/or their children, or sick employees during flu season.

I seldom purchase anything unpackaged during this time for the same reasons.

We also begin longer handwashing with stronger antibacterial liquid soap if we can afford it, after using bathroom, before entering the kitchen, and before touching our food. Should we have plastic/paper goods to use, it helps to prevent recycling and sharing whatever flu germs might be lurking about. Many bacteria, virus and mutants live longer outside the body than we have been told.

We "pass" on eating anyone else's food, unless as a last resort, because few folks think about the "contagion factor" when cooking and sharing food at holidays.

We have been sick very little since practicing the following additional habits we were taught:

Avoiding anyone who is obviously coughing, sneezing, wheezing, snorting; even if they claim it is only "allergies", especially the checkout clerks who handle money, deal exclusively with the multitudes in public, and then handle purchases. Also avoiding the sackers who have to go out in all sorts of weather and are often ill. Avoid any direct contact with those diagnosed with infection/taking RX meds. Although they may be improving, they may be carriers of the contagion long after becoming well.

We are considerate of others should this ever happen to us, by affording them the same consideration as we would expec from them.

We do not save sacks from purchases during this time period because most germs land on horizontal surfaces where the sacks are placed for loading purchases.

We use rubber gloves to sanitize surfaces during and after someone is ill.

We do not share dishes, confining anyone ill to their special dish set, boiled or disposable until well.

We provide a package of tissue and a wastesack nearby for all who might have a cough, runny nose, fever, vomiting; requesting they dispose of their own used papers, tossing sack daily.

We learn what sensitivities we have and avoid them during this time especially, to give our body's immune system every advantage to do it's protecting against illness as designed. We avoid spray "disinfectants" because the propellant is often Formaldehyde (a poison used for embalming the dead, which has killed many itself.)

We teach children to cough as often as possible within a large plastic sack to contain the spray of their germs rather than to let it go into the air, onto the floor, surfaces and others.

Like hospitals, we keep a lot of cold water bottles available to keep liquids flowing through the sick person to eliminate the medications which are usually constipating.

We place the sick person(s) in the quietest and easiest to clean area of the house to allow for best recouperation/isolation from well people, spreading a plastic dropcloth on the floor by the bed, should there be lots of coughing.

We use all solid white THIN multilayered linens for hot sanitizing and changing every other day, as well as white bed clothes where possible.

The person sanitizing is careful to wear gloves and mask, if available, paying attention to toilet, tub, washer, linens, water, med bottles on papertowel covered tray, and any phone sanitizing if nearby/used by the patient.

Several things we had to relearn: One cannot be too clean during these times, nor too careful, and should move slowly so as to avoid accidents. Dishwasher water is not hot enough to kill most harmful germs, only "household" germs, unless stainless steel interior and extra high heat "sanitation setting" is available.

Also, never give medication to a patient on an empty stomach, but, rather, with crackers or something which absorbs and protects the stomach lining. Coated "over the counter" meds often still cause nausea on an empty stomach.

Lastly, if the patient is a sick child, avoid contact with any stuffed animals you intend to keep because their fleece cannot be adequately sanitized to prevent recontamination later on.

Keep noise at a low level, remembering that the patient needs quiet and prayer for the quickest recovery. God bless and keep you, too.

By Lynda from TX

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After cleaning the tops of your cupboards in the kitchen, line them with newspaper. No one will see it up there and the next time cleaning will be so much easier! Just recycle the newspaper next time and replace with clean paper.

By Simplycindy from Southern MN

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If you spill wine on your clothing or a tablecloth, blot it immediately with a clean piece of cloth and sponge the area with cool water or club soda. If the stain is still there put salt on the stain and then pour hot (near boiling) water through the stain. Once the stain is weakened, wash the clothing normally with detergent.

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I usually wait until the day before or the day of Halloween to buy my Trick or Treat candy. My husband and I try to watch our diet since we are both a bit "fluffy". LOL! We love sweets so I always buy candy that we don't care for.

For example: I don't like peanuts and he doesn't like coconut, so I usually buy Snickers and Mounds minature bars. And since I wait until almost the last minute to buy them we usually eat only one or two bars - he eats the Snickers and I eat the Mounds.

That way we also get a "treat" but don't overdo it, the kids love their treats and everyone is happy. If there are any bars left over we bring them to work so that we won't eat them. I've been doing this for over ten years and it works for us.

By Margaret from Denton, Texas

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Ingredients

• 1 chicken leg or thigh
• 1 med. potato, cut in fourths
• 1 med. carrot, cut in 1/4 inch slices
• 1 individual serving instant cream of chicken soup
• 1 individual serving instant onion soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup green beans

Directions

Place chicken in center of 18x15 inch piece of foil; place potato on side of chicken and the carrots on the other. Mix instant soups with water until thickened and spoon over chicken. Top with green beans. Wrap securely and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees F for 50 minutes.

Note: This recipe is written only for 1 person, but could be done for more and you could substitute round steak for chicken.

By Robin from Washington, IA

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Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

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How do you make a tablecloth with a square in the middle and a contrasting fabric border with mitered corners?

Tomme from Sulvania, GA

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I am looking for a recipe for guacamole.

Thanks,
Maggie from Bucksport, Maine

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Is Italian parsley a perennial? What can i do to protect it during the winter?

Hardiness Zone: 9a

d.fostrer from Portland, Oregon

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I never sealed the grout after putting in ceramic tile in my kitchen. Is it too late? What's the best way to clean it first?

Annie from Columbus, OH

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Product: TV

Model: Wega

Manufacturer: Sony

Request: Any information regarding consumer reports on this TV?

Angus from Chilliwack, B.C.

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I looking for advice about removing coffee stains on fabric car seats.

A. Gaymon from Elkins Park, PA

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Cut a piece of aluminum foil and place it directly on top of the paint. You can use the paint can lid as a template for cutting the foil.

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I have beige colored sofas and I need to paint my house. Can anyone suggest the best colors to go with them? Also what color curtains will go with them? My living room size is 290 square feet.

Thanks,
Sharath from India

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How many cantaloupes grow from a plant?

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Moises from Los Angeles, California

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How do I remove baby oil from a pair of blue jeans?

Ang from Lawndale, NC

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I wondering how to make a paper mache dog?

Kelsey from Lincolnton, NC

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Do beta fight other fish?

Kara from Lexington

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I need help removing newspaper (color ink) from light oak furniture.

Thanks,
A. Gaymon from Elkins Park, PA

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I am trying to clean a linen tablecloth that has become yellow thru non-use.

Barbara from Windsor, Canada

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This is my problem and I hope someone can help me. I have a George Foreman Jr. Rotisserie and no instructions or menu book to go with it. No recipes and no cooking chart to even time the cooking. Please, can someone help me.

Thanks and God Bless,
Angelheart from Clyde, TX

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I am looking for a turkey made out of mini Reese's peanut butter cups.

Denyse from San Jose, CA

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Before we were about to paint our den, I stupidly let my kids write on the walls with indelible marker. Now the painter is ready to kill me, as he put 2 coats of primer and 4 coats of paint and the marker is still bleeding through. Are there any products that will cover the marker?

JK from Edison, NJ

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I need to select my bedroom color. My wardrobes are rose wood color. Please suggest a color for my walls.

Thanks,
Sharath from India

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My 9 year old male cat seems pretty healthy, but his tummy drags the floor. Does anyone have any ideas how I may help him lose a little weight without hurting his health? Thanks in advance!

PJ from Lexington, KY

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I have a cactus that is dying. Normally, I dislike cacti, so I would throw it away. The problem is... my mom recently passed away, and it was her cactus, it has a lot of sentimental meaning. How can I save this cactus before it dies? It used to have about 10-15 stems that grew beautiful burgundy flowers. All that is left is 2 stems and no flowers!

Sandi from Canada

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How do you clean a glass chandelier without making a mess?

dddinahhh from Elmhurst, IL

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I have a red dress, made of chiffon and has "blobs" of candle wax on them. I've tried fairy liquid on it but they don't budge. I need this dress for tonight. Please help!

Magic from London

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How do I clean yellow stains off a vinyl floor caused by area rugs?

Lauri from Pottstown, PA

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I am looking for locker decorations for our football playoffs.

Donna from Wallace, NE

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How do I clean a deep fryer?

Heather from Toronto, Ontario

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How much do I charge a custom home builder for 3 cleans (rough clean, detail clean, final clean) per square foot in Nashville, TN. I can't seem to find out the going rate.

Elizabeth from Nashville, TN

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How do you remove pen (biro) names from the inside cover of books?

Sandra

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My sorority is participating in my college's homecoming parade and our floats theme is St. Patrick's Day. Does any one have any suggestions?

Casey from Marshall, TX

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Our 2-year old daughter got sick and we let her lay down on the living room couch so that I could keep an eye on her while she naps. But then she vomited. She is now better but the vomit odor is still lingering around. I have used lysol disinfectant spray, soap and water and a couple of other products but nothing seems to work. Does anyone have any suggestions (other than buying a new couch)? Thanks!

AZ Mom from Queen Creek, AZ

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Can spanish moss be growen using the dry version that you can buy from hardware/craft stores? I was told at a green house that you can buy it dry and wet it and it will start growing. Is this true or am I going to have to order it?

Hardiness Zone: 7a

Samara from VA

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Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

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One of the best ways to maximize vegetable garden production, while minimizing problems with pests and disease is by practicing crop rotation-planting your crops in a different place in the garden each year. Rotating your crops is easy. All it requires is dividing your garden into sections, keeping a few planting notes and knowing which of your garden vegetables are closely related.

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Here are some links to a few pumpkin patches. Pumpkin Patches are great not only for pumpkins but other fall crops as well. If you have one near you, please post it in the feedback and we'll add it to the list. We went to one last year for my grandson's birthday and had a blast!

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I love Halloween, first because it is the beginning of the holiday season. Being a gardener, I also appreciate it as a great time to celebrate the harvest. I think of it as a celebration of autumn.

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