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Hello,
Over the weekend we published the ThriftyFun News with lots of information about canning. To read it, go to: Click Here
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Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Tips
Keep Track of Your Saving Progress
I like to keep track of all the money I was tempted to spend but didn't. I do the same when I am counting calories. I count what I almost ate but didn't. By Laz
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New Recipe? Make a Smaller Batch
When trying out a new unproven recipe, make the smallest batch possible. Most recipes can be halved, or even quartered. That way, if it is faulty, or not to your liking, you've wasted only half the ingredients. By Doggy
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Freshening Your Old Refrigerator
When refrigerators get old or have been in storage for a long time they can take on a stale odor, making it a less than appealing place to store your food. Often what happens is mold grows and creates the bad odors. Use the following recipe to help remove the mold and the odor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bleach
- 1 cup water
- activated charcoal
Directions:
First remove all of the drawers, shelves, the condensation pan and trays from the fridge. Scrub the inside of the refrigerator and freezer compartment with the bleach solution using a sponge or rag. Wear gloves and make sure you have proper ventilation. Also be careful about getting bleach stains on your clothing. Then clean the drawers, shelves and other components that you removed from the fridge using the same solution. Mix a second batch if you run out.
Once you are done, put the fridge back together and place a shallow pan with 8 ounces of activated charcoal in the refrigerater and freezer compartment. You can buy the charcoal at local pet store in the aquarium supply section. Close the doors and let the charcoal sit for a week. If it still smells, replace the charcoal with fresh and let it sit for another week.
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Can't Afford Your Prescription Drugs? Call The Manufacturer
Can't Afford Your Prescription Drugs? Call The Manufacturer
Individual companies quietly give away millions of dollars in medication every year. If you or a family member simply cannot pay for much needed medicine, call the manufacturer directly. Ask if they have a patient assistance program (or a "medical needs" or "indigent patients" program) and what you must do to qualify. The Cost Containment Research Institute has a book that lists the patient assistance phone numbers for U.S. drug companies. To receive a copy, send $6 to: Fulfillment Center, Booklet #PD-95, P.O. Box 210, Dallas, PA 18612-0210 or log on to www.institutedc.org.
Consider Pill Splitting.
If the medicine you commonly take comes in tablet form, ask your doctor if it comes in a dose size that is double the one you are taking. For example, if you take a 10-mg tablet, is there a 20-mg tablet? If there is, and your doctor will write a prescription for the bigger version, you can then buy that pill, invest in a pill-splitter device that costs about $5 in drugstores, divide the tablets and get twice the number of pills for about the same amount of money. (Price differences between different dosages of the same medication are often negligible.) Remember that certain tablets, extended-release products, as well as capsules and gel tablets should never be split.
Look at BenefitsCheckUpRx.com
If you or someone in your family is over 55, a form on the National Council on Aging's web site (www.ncoa.org) will tell you at a glance whether you're eligible for a host of local, state, federal and private drug savings programs.
Level with your Doctor.
If you're having trouble paying for medication, tell your physician. Sometimes there is more than one drug in a particular therapeutic class. A less-expensive medicine might do the same job for you. Often your physician can also provide free samples of your prescribed medication.
By M. Day, Ohio
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I have collected 15 boxes of lovely wood such as knotty pine or oak and will use many of them to make birdhouses and craft items like Christmas ornaments or frames. They cost nothing for me. A carpenter wants to get rid of them and what is useless for crafts will be great for fire starters in our fireplace. By Bev Sobkowich
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Put That Lotto Money in Savings
Every day that I don't buy a lottery ticket I put $2 in an envelope and do the same with coffee at work, where I used to buy one or two cups a day. At the end of the month I either put what I've accumulated into savings or against a debt I owe. It's easier to see the savings this way By Michaelmac
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You know those elasticized plastic covers that you can buy for covering bowls in the refrigerator? I just found that my favorite dollar store sells eight shower caps for--yes--one dollar! They fit the top of the largest container, and they are also the ideal covering for a cut watermelon. Both sturdy and washable, they also come in a variety of designer pastel colors (-: I don't know how much those other covers cost, but I'll bet you can't get eight for a dollar. Sharon
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Featured Feedback: RE: Wants vs. Needs
I completely agree with you!!! Around every corner there seems to be a temptation to spend spend spend! My husband and I fell into the trap. When we got married we had one vehicle. He worked construction at the time (and if you have every worked construction or know of anyone who has, you are constantly chasing a paycheck. There is always a better job with more money, longer hours, and farther away from home). He was making EXTREMELY good money. We began to believe that just because we had the money meant we could spend the money.... WRONG! We discovered that we had good credit, and then we used it. We used it up! The construction jobs started to dry up. We had to move. He was laid off and I went to work (not making even an 1/8 of what we were used to). Our credit was shot, we had no money, and the bill collectors called from the time they got to their office in the morning until we would finally unplug the phone just to go to bed. We kept asking each other how we got into that mess. Then we started blaming each other.
We were greedy, point blank. We had to have the newest, the best, the most expensive. It almost cost us our marriage, but it did cost us our credit. We eventually had to file Ch. 7 Bankruptcy. It was the hardest decision we ever had to make, but it turned out to be the best. Our credit was unrepairable anyway, this just made it so we could start all over... brand new.
We stopped trying to control our lives and just turned to God and said "Okay, put us where you want us. No matter where that is." And He did. Not long after that, my hubby got a call from a friend who worked for a Farming Industry. They put him to work immediately. The company provided a house for us. And as long as my hubby works for them we don't have to pay rent or electricity or water.
I thank God every single day for all that he has blessed us with. And once you notice one blessing, you begin to see them every day. We wanted everything, but we didn't realize that we had everything that we would ever need. We had each other, our children, and God. Those are the things that last. Those are the things that will never have to be repaired or traded in. They will never have to be dusted or replaced. And they are the things that you CAN take with you when you go.
By Carissa
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Featured Feedback: RE: Save Money on Fabric Softener
Two cups of fabric softener to 1 gallon of water. I soak a rag in this solution, wring it out and throw it in the dryer with the clothes. Your gallon of homemade diluted fabric softener will last for months and you never have to wait for the rinse cycle. I've used this method for years. I find that a large jug you buy at the store can be used in this method and will last for years.
By Gisele
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Featured Feedback: RE: Can't Miss Potluck Recipes
An easy one that almost guarantees coming home with an empty pot. Sorry, but I am a "throw-together" sort of cook so it is a bit of this and a bit of that instead of precise measurements. Saute a large onion diced, a few slices of diced bacon, and a green pepper diced until the bacon and onion begins to brown. Pour this mixture into a crockpot or slow cooker. Open a gallon can of Pork and Beans and drain off all the juice. Add beans to cooker. Stir in about 1/2 cup brown Sugar, 1/4 cup Dijon or spicy brown mustard, and 1/2 cup of ketchup. (Optional: Add about 1/2 teaspoon or so of liquid smoke). Cook for several hours without the lid on the cooker. This gives the beans a drier consistency, and everyone will think they are "oven baked". Stir from time to time and turn them off when they are thick.
By Harlean
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Featured Feedback: Cutting Your Kids Hair
If you have boys. Getting a pair of clippers..is pretty easy, even for first timers. Always do the biggest attachment for the clippers..Also start watching people cut hair and then practice a little..you can always fix boys hair..I have been cutting my husband's hair for seven years now..I do a great job with clippers..I also streak or highlight my own hair..I get the stuff cheap from the local salon supply that is open to the public. Good luck.
By Danielle
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Rhubarb - Gift From The Garden
Arleen M. Kaptur
Rhubarb - you either love it or not. There doesn't seem to be any in-between when it comes to this fruit that lends itself from a pale pink to a ruby red hue.
This strange looking plant with its giant leaves and pink stems comes originally to us from China and Tibet. These ancient cultures used the rhubarb for medicinal purposes. Its leaves are very toxic, and they should never be eaten.
Here are a few country-fair recipes for rhubarb - pick your favorite and see if your family can decide if they are rhubarb enthusiasts.
RHUBARB CREAM PIE
Mix the sugar, flour, milk and egg yolks together. Pour this mixture over the cut rhubarb and mix together well. Pour into an unbaked pie shell and bake in a 425 degree oven until the fruit is tender and the filling is a custard consistency.
You can add meringue to the baked pie using the egg whites and 3 tbs. of sugar.
Brown in the oven for about 10 mins.
Cool and serve.
RHUBARB COOKIE TREAT
Heat oven to 350. Using a pre-buttered baking pan, place diced rhubarb in pan and sprinkle with 1 cup of the sugar and all of the cinnamon. Heat in oven for about 20 mins. Remove from oven and set aside.
Cream together 2 tbs. butter and 1 cup sugar.
Add the eggs, gently stir in the flour, and add the salt. Mix gently incorporating all the ingredients.
Pour this mixture over the hot rhubarb. Bake in oven for 1 hour. Remove, cool, and cut into squares.
FAVORITE RHUBARB TREAT
Mix the flour, powdered sugar and butter together and press into the bottom of an ungreased 7-1/2 x 11-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 mins. Remove from oven and set aside.
Mix the rhubarb, eggs, sugar, flour, orange juice and salt together. Pour onto the baked crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins.
Using a knife inserted in center, check to see if the center is set. If not, bake for an additional 5-8 mins. Test again, and when knife comes out clean, remove, cool, and serve.
Here is a very different kind of jam. Try it - you just might make this your favorite!
EASY RHUBARB JAM
In pan, combine all the ingredients above.
Simmer over a gentle, low heat until well cooked.
Pour into fancy glass jars.
When the jam has cooled, cover with plastic wrap and store in your refrigerator.
Easy and tastes great!
There is nothing nicer than combining two seasonal favorites and discovering that two good things make one great pie!
RHUBARB/STRAWBERRY PIE
Combine the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, flour, butter and milk. Gently blend and then pour into unbaked pie shell.
Dot mixture with remaining 1 tbs. butter. Cover pie with additional pie crust, or use strips of pie crust for a lattice design.
Also, if using an additional pie crust, combine equal amounts of flour (about 1/2 cup), sugar (about 1/2 cup), and about 3 tbs. softened sweet-cream butter. Cut with pastry blender or two knives. You will get very tasty crunchies to sprinkle on top of your pie crust.
Flute the edges of the two crusts together before using the sprinkles.
Bake in a 450 degree oven for 10 mins.
Reduce oven to 350 and bake for 30 mins. or until crust/or crunchies are lightly browned.
Remove from oven and cool on rack.
erve with vanilla ice cream for a very special pie ala mode.
Hope these recipes make a rhubarb lover out of you and your family.
©Arleen M. Kaptur - Arleen has written many magazine/newspaper articles Author: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES and numerous e-cookbooks Website:
http://www.rusticliving.info and
http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving and
http://www.authorsden/com/arleenmkaptur
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Tip Contest
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This kit includes everything you need to get started roasting coffee at home on your stove, in your oven, or in a hot air popcorn popper. Includes the book Coffee Roasting at Home by Susan Sanders and Fletcher Sandbeck, 1 lb of green, unroasted coffee beans, and coffee bags to store your roast.
New Requests:
Saving Money on Canning Supplies
Tips for saving money on canning supplies. Post your ideas!
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Birthday Ideas for a 2 Year Old
My son will be two on the 16th and i want to have a pizza party at home. What other ideas do you have for us. He likes Spiderman, Shrek, Nemo and all animals. I ask him which one and he says all of them. Melissa
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My almond formica has a lighter ring mark where I set down a gallon of bleach while doing some other cleaning. How do I fix this color difference and make the ring disapear? Diana
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Washing Clothes in Well Water with Iron
Does anybody have any great tips for washing clothes with well water that has iron. Please help. My clothes are being ruined. Becky for WV
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Does anyone have any suggestions on where the best place(s) is/are for purchasing vitamins(online or off)? I am interested in quality but reasonable prices. Thanks, Anjeena
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Does anyone have a recipe for homemade air freshener? I especially need one because of an indoor cat. Thanks. Jill from NC
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What's Fair for Both Buyer and Seller?
Hi, I don't know if this is the right forum in which to present this dilemma, but I can't find a site to answer this! We are moving and want to sell a living room set. It is about 14 months old and in very good condition, so we are asking half the price of when it was new. We would like to sell the whole set, but have people asking for just the couch, just the coffee table, etc. We're not sure how to price these individually. Why would it be so hard to sell the set? It's seven pieces, and today we had someone offer us just $400 ($600 asking price), and they wanted us to arrange delivery! What is fair, and when should we throw in the towel? Again, it's in great condition! Are we asking too much since it is used, or are people wanting too much for too little? Thanks. vmargret in Houston
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I am in a situation where I have my daughter going off to college and am considering getting a cellphone for the first time so that she has one. And I have been looking at family plans which would allow her to call us without using minutes if we had a phone too. Being frugal, I am trying to decide whether it's worth it to pay for BOTH a land line and a cell phone for my person use. Has anyone else bought the family plans, how are they working for you? And has anyone else given up their land line in favor of a cellphone? Just curious what other people are doing since you have to sign a fairly lengthy contract to get a cellphone (atleast from what I have seen.) Thank you, Darby
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You mention preserving or drying wild plants. I am interested in how to preserve cattails to keep them from "bursting". I believe years ago I was told that spraying them with hairspray would keep them intact - do you know it that is true or have any other suggestions? JoAnn from South Dakota
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I just purchased a featherbed and I have a problem with the feathers coming out thru the material. not only is this getting messy, it is making it difficult to sleep on, as the stalks are poking me in the legs. Does anyone out there have any suggestions for me? Thanking you in advance, Lori from california
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More Reading
Budgeting: The Basics and Beyond
Budgeting is a word which usually gets negative reactions from people. But, a budget can help you use the money you have more effectively. A budget is a financial plan for spending; not a bookkeeping chore of keeping track of every penny.
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Back to School Clothes Shopping
By Nikki Willhite
It's that time of year again when many of us put out money to buy clothing for our children. No matter where or when you buy them, there are some basic rules to follow to get the most for your money.
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ThriftyFun News August 7, 2004 - Canning Information
Online version of the ThriftyFun News. Canning Information. Volume Six, Number 30, August 7, 2004
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The Basics of Canning (Ohio Extension)
Methods for canning foods at home have changed greatly since the procedure was first introduced almost two centuries ago. Since then, research has enabled home canners to simplify and safely preserve higher quality foods. Knowing why canning works and what causes food to spoil underscores the importance of following directions carefully.
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Fun With Kids in the Kitchen
By Cyndi Roberts
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer? Why not teach them to cook! It's a great way to have fun without spending a lot of money!
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Cosmetic Recipes using Essential Oils
"In the 17th and 18th centuries, every large household had a still-room for making perfumes and potions, scents and soaps, scented washballs and skin lotions. Many of these recipes gained world renown - like the famous Hungary water for whitening and cleansing the skin. Herbal cosmetics are simple to make at home and can be as effective (or more so) and cheaper than commercial products Here are some of my favorite preparations using essential oils."
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Thanks
Susan
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