Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 104, April 23, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
Yesterday's TF News was about Food Substitions. If you are not a subscriber to the TF News you can read the newsletter online here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf785309.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Buster (Shitzu) Sophie and Susan
- Silver & Steel
Today's Tips:
- Saving Money on Magazines
- Save Money on Shaving
- Keep a Button Jar
- Reducing Clutter
- Gonzo Wonder Sponge
- A Bedside Pouch
- Extra Fresh Fruit?
- Smoothies for Breakfast
- Ants for Peonies
- Removing Yellow Mustard Stains
- Cleaning as You Go
- Make Your Own Swiffer Cloths
- Repelling Mosquitoes
- Aloe Vera Gel as Hair Gel
- Formica Cleaner Recipe
- A Gift For Mother Joke
- Getting Rid Of Parvo
- Chocolate-Cherry Ice Cream Pie
- Glazed Rosemary Roast Beef
- Spinach Bacon Quiche
- Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
- Banana Milkshakes
New Requests:
- Getting Rid of Cat Urine Smell for Future Cats
- Recipes Using Black Glutinous Rice
- Church Scavenger Hunt
- Movie Set Catering
- Chili's Salad Dressing Recipe
- Mildew On Clothes
- Getting Rid of Wild Violets
- Help With Sweaty Palms
- Protecting Hosta Plants From Slugs
More Reading:
- Buying a Home? Be Prepared
- Blue Jean Book Bag
- Four Decorative Painting Techniques
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
Buster (Shitzu) Sophie and Susan
Hi,
My dog's name is Buster, and he is 14 years old. My cat's name is Sophie and she is 4 years old. My name is Susan and I'm not telling how old I am!
Buster is a Shitzu. I got him from a lady on my Avon route and free, because I loved her dog. He plays with his ball for fun.
I got Sophie from the Humane Society. One week later they put 40 cats to sleep. They were sick and so was she, but I took her to my vet and kept her. She is a Calico and so pretty. Loves to chew on wires though! For fun she likes to pick on Buster!
This picture was taken last summer on our way to Fairbanks, Alaska. They were like having kids with you. They loved riding on my lap. This year they have been to Florida already. They like to travel.
By Susan
View Article: Click Here
Silver & Steel
You have been so kind to Sasha and wished her a happy birthday.
Here are Steel, the older "brother", and Silver, the older "sister". As you can see, they believe in naps! Silver and Steel were found in the trunk of a car in August in Sacramento! It was very hot, they were no larger than the palm of your hand and very much in need of love! Six years later, they are thriving, loved and well nourished.
By Sandy
See Sasha's Photo Entries
Sasha's Birthday
Sasha
View Article: 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
Saving Money on Magazines
Tips for finding cheap magazines. Post your ideas.
Instead of subscribing to two magazines, my girlfriend and I each subscribe to one and then when we get together for lunch exchange magazines and share ideas.
By Bobbie
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Save Money on Shaving
Instead of Shaving Cream
Instead of purchasing expensive shaving cream, I use the conditioner that we get when staying overnight in hotels. My husband travels several times during the year and he always brings home the little bottle of conditioners, lotions, etc. Try it!
By Bobbie
Read more money saving shaving tips below. You can also post your ideas.
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Keep a Button Jar
Never throw away buttons, when you discard old clothing. I cut them off and store them in a container. I use them in may crafts and you never know when a button on a shirt will need replaced. My button jar has saved me time and money!
By Bobbie
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Reducing Clutter
Tips for reducing clutter in your home. Post your ideas.
To reduce clutter, I have made it a habit to give away or throw away at least one item every day!
By Bobbie
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Gonzo Wonder Sponge
I usually use a dry paintbrush to dust my lampshades, but I found something that worked even better. I had a shade that, even after dusting, was still grimy. I thought I was going to have to replace it, but I tried a sponge called Gonzo Wonder Sponge that is to be used dry only, not wet. My lampshade, which is fabric, looks brand new! I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond for under $5.
By truerblue
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A Bedside Pouch
A bedside pouch, easily made from a towel or yard of fabric, that fits between mattress and box spring helps keep clutter off night stands.
By Linda
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Extra Fresh Fruit?
Rinse and freeze in a single layer (on a baking sheet), then store in ziploc bags. Use frozen in smoothies. They will thicken the smoothie as well as taste great.
By Linda
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Smoothies for Breakfast
Not a breakfast eater? Make a smoothie! The night before, add to the blender jar any combination of milk, yogurt, protein powder that you like. Store in fridge. In the morning add some frozen fruit and blend until smooth. You have both a protein and a carb, and it tastes great!
By Linda
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Ants for Peonies
Did you know that ants are good for your peonies? They lick the sap off of the flower buds to help them to open. Never wipe off the ants!
By sunnybun
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Removing Yellow Mustard Stains
Yellow mustard stains are notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. Rub glycerine into the stain and let soak in before washing. You may need to rinse the spot with cold water and add more glycerine before washing if the spot is really stubborn.
By truerblue
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Cleaning as You Go
When you start cooking a meal, fill the sink with soapy water. Toss in dishes and utensils after you use them. While the food cooks, you can easily rinse those dishes and the kitchen will be clean by the time you sit down to eat!
By Linda
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Make Your Own Swiffer Cloths
Make your own dry floor swiffer cloths. Spray your husband old hankies with Endust (you can purchase at Thriftys), let dry and use with your dry floor swiffer. Rinse used "hankie" under warm water to clean, or save them up and wash with other cleaning clothes. This works well with old socks for cleaning ceiling fans or regular dusting.
By Janys
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Repelling Mosquitoes
To repel mosquitoes in your yard before a picnic or party, take equal parts of lemon dishwashing liquid, lemon scented ammonia, and lemon juice in a 20-gallon dial hose sprayer. Set the sprayer to 30 and spray entire yard. Be sure to do this early enough the day of the event so the water soaks into your grass. Will not harm your lawn and can be done as often as every 2 weeks.
By truerblue
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Aloe Vera Gel as Hair Gel
I discovered one day when I ran out of hair gel that 100% pure aloe vera gel works great as a hair gel.
By truerblue
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Formica Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon Murphy's oil soap
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil or linseed oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
Directions:
Mix above ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray on and wipe surfaces. Rinse well.
By truerblue
View Article: Click Here
A Gift For Mother Joke
Four brothers were successful doctors and lawyers. They decided to give their elderly mother a gift.
One gave her a big house.
Another gave her a big $100,000.00 theater for her new house.
Another gave her an expensive car.
The fourth son said, "Listen, you know, too, she can't see very well. I met this priest who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Bible. It took 20 priests 12 yrs. to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000. a year for 20 years to the church." Let me tell you, it was worth it! All Mama has to do is name a chapter and verse and the parrot will recite it." The other brothers were so impressed.
Mama sent Thank You notes:
Milton: The house you had built for me is huge. I live only in one room but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway. Mama
Manny: The expensive theater can hold 50 people but all my friends are dead. I've lost my hearing and I'm almost blind. Thanks anyway. Mama
Marvin: I am too old to travel and I have my groceries delivered. The driver you hired is a Democrat. Thanks anyway. Mama
DEAREST MELVIN: You were the only son to give a little thought to your gift. That colorful little chicken was delicious! Thank You. MAMA
By Terri H.
View Article: Click Here
Getting Rid Of Parvo
I read the article about Parvo and Dogs and just had to throw my two cents worth in. I lost a whole litter of cocker pups and it broke my heart. Heat does not kill it and freezing does not kill it but bleach does. But it will kill your grass. But to me it is worth the effort and no grass to keep my dogs safe.
Take a garden sprayer fill it with half water and half bleach and spray all over the kennel or yard the infected animals were in. Especially the spot where they liked to go potty as this is how the germs are spread.
Wash all bedding bowls leashes collars with bleach and hot water. You also should wear old tennies out in the yard when spraying and pitch them when you are through. Also do not spray unless you are assured of a couple of days of sunshine as if it rains you will have to reapply.
I too agree that prevention is the best medicine and you can get Parvo shots through Omaha Vaccine for about 3-4 dollars. They have complete directions on how to give the shot yourself. Our vet charges like 50 dollars to give the shot so this saves me and protects my dogs. Omaha Vaccine has a catalog that you can order for free on the internet though they do not have an online catalog. Ask them to send the Pet Catalog. You can also get cat vaccines through them. I wish you all a happy and healthy dog.
By Debra in Colorado
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Chocolate-Cherry Ice Cream Pie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, 2 Tbsp. juice from jar reserved
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1 pkg. prepared Oreo pie crust
- 1/2 cup and 2 Tbsp. hot fudge sauce from a jar
- 1 pint chocolate fudge brownie ice cream, such as Ben and Jerry's, softened
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Additional maraschino cherries, optional
Directions:
Stir chopped cherries and juice into vanilla ice cream until combined; spread into crust. Freeze until firm, about 1 hour. Spread 1/2 cup fudge topping over pie; freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Spread with chocolate fudge brownie ice cream; freeze until firm, at least 1 hour. Spread pie with whipped topping. Stir 1 1/2 tsp. water into remaining fudge sauce; drizzle over pie. Garnish with additional cherries, if desired.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Glazed Rosemary Roast Beef
Ingredients:
- 4 lb. boneless top round beef roast
- 1 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. drained prepared horseradish from a jar, squeezed dry
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place beef in roasting pan. Sprinkle top and sides with rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast until meat thermometer into thickest part of beef registers 135 degrees for medium rare, about 1 hour, 15 minutes. Combine next 4 ingredients; brush over roast during last 10 minutes of cooking time. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
By Robin
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Spinach Bacon Quiche
Ingredients:
- Half of 11 oz. pig. pie crust mix
- 8 oz. sliced bacon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed, squeezed dry
- 1/4 cup drained chopped pimientos
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 6 oz. Swiss cheese, shredded
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare pie crust according to package directions for 1 crust. Roll into 10 inch circle. Fit into 9 inch pie pan; trim edge.In nonstick skillet over medium high heat cook bacon until crisp, 6-8 minutes. Discard all but 1 Tbsp. fat from skillet. To skillet add next 4 ingredients; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes; stir in spinach and pimientos. Cook, stirring, 1 minute. Beat eggs with milk. Crumble bacon into crust. Top with spinach mixture and 1 cup cheese. Pour egg mixture into crust. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until set and golden, 40 minutes. Let stand 20 minutes before serving.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Dijon Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks and thighs
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs. potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
- 1 can chicken broth (14 1/2 oz.)
- 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cup frozen peas, 6 oz.
- Chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions:
Sprinkle chicken with 3/4 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Coat with flour, reserving excess. In nonstick skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add chicken; cook, turning once, until browned. Remove chicken from pan. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion; cook, stirring, until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in reserved flour; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining salt and pepper; cook, stirring, until hot, 3 minutes. Stir in broth and mustard. Add reserved chicken; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low; cover. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, 20 minutes. Stir in peas; cook until heated through, 2 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Banana Milkshakes
Ingredients:
- 3 frozen bananas
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 6 crushed ice cubes
Directions:
Blend until smooth.
By truerblue
View Article: Click Here
Other Active Topics
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Tip Contest
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New Contest Prize! Now a 2 $25.00 Gift Cards
In our contest we are giving away two $25.00 Gift Cards (we will
select to winners at random) 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! This contest ends on April 30th,
2005.
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:
Getting Rid of Cat Urine Smell for Future Cats
We are thinking of getting a new kitten for our 9 yr daughter. We had a 10 yr old cat, who got very sick, and had to be put down 3 yrs ago. She pee'd in several spots in my daughters room and in the upstairs hallway. I cleaned it very well, using vinegar, the smells are gone to the human nose. My fear is that even tho it has been 3 yrs the new kitten may be able to smell it and think that it is OK to pee there. What do you all think? TIA
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Recipes Using Black Glutinous Rice
Normally used for Asian-style desserts, believe, does anyone have a recipe for making a savoury dish from black glutinous rice?
Thanks
YT - UK
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Church Scavenger Hunt
I am looking for a scavenger hunt that our church did a few years ago. We had to go to different houses and ask things like, Can we use your shower? & then we had to sing, There will be showers of blessings. It was sooooo much fun I'd like to share it with my daughter. Thank You for any help.
C.L.
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Movie Set Catering
I would like your advice on the different type of costs or how much it takes for the catering of a movie set, the cast could be let say 100 to 200 people just to mention an amount. Please give me some info on that. Thanks.
Galaxy
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Chili's Salad Dressing Recipe
I just tried the Crispy Chicken Salad at Chili's Restaurant. It was sooooo good! I'm addicted to it now mainly because of the dressing. I can't remember the name of it. Something like honey ginger, or sesame ginger, (?) it was oriental. I've looked in all the stores to find something similar, but no luck. Anyone know I could make it or where to buy it?
Jo in TN
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Mildew On Clothes
I'm trying to find out how to get mildew stains out of some baby clothes. I've soaked them in simple green and I've also tried the oxi-clean stuff too. Nothing seems to work. Does anyone have a way to get rid of this?
Caryn from Louisiana
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Getting Rid of Wild Violets
In my yard I have lots of wild violets. Does anyone have any suggestions on how do get rid of them?
Cathy
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Help With Sweaty Palms
I have this sweaty palm problem and its soo embarassing! Whenever we have to practice this dance at my school the boys say my hands are sweaty and I get embarassed! So please help me, I'm in desperate need of help! Even if you know what's the cause of sweaty palms that would help a lot also. And if you know any ways I could fix this with household items then that would be great!
Thanks!
Kat
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Protecting Hosta Plants From Slugs
My Hosta plants are attacked by slugs when the leaves are at their peak! I have tried the beer in low cans which does help but they are messy to clean and when it rains they all have to be refilled again. I also tried putting eggshells around the base of the plants but this was not very successful in controlling them. Does anyone have a non-toxic solution to this problem?
Monica from PA
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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:
Buying a Home? Be Prepared
By Shelly Lambert
Buying a home is a great American dream. However, too often first time home buyers (second timers too) save and pay for the purchase, but don't really plan for the ownership.
View Article: Click Here
Blue Jean Book Bag
By Crystal Miller
This is a pretty easy sewing project. It is a cute book bag made from an old pair of blue jeans. You can see a picture of the finished project here: http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/bluejeanbookbag.htm
View Article: Click Here
Four Decorative Painting Techniques
By Kathy Burns-Millyard
Tired of plain, boring walls? Faux finishes are a great way to jazz up your space with little cost or effort. Here are a few of the most popular finishes.
View Article: Click Here
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