Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 106, April 26, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
Hello,
This week's TF News will be about Organizing Your Workshop. If you have any tips for organziing tools and keeping a clean work area, feel free to post them.
We have 17 new requests today, please take a look at them and see if you have any advice to offer.
We have been getting some white pages on the website due to high traffic. We are looking at purchasing an additional server to help eliminate this problem. I will keep you posted.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Daisy Duke (Chinese Pug)
- Bailey (Yellow Labrador Retriever)
Today's Tips:
- Less Sweeping and Vacuuming
- Storing Spices
- Saving Money on Hand Soap
- Saving Energy Drying Clothes
- Preventing Bleaching From Stain Removers
- When Does Life Begin? Joke
- Grow a Larger Tomato Crop
- Keeping Flies Away at a Picnic
- Refurbishing Wood Salad Bowls
- Homemade Durable Pot Holders
- Be Smart When Stocking Up
- Check with the Grocer
- Drink Lots of Water
- Organize Tools With Fishing Tackle Boxes
- Giving Gift Cards
- Keeping Soup Bowls From Sliding on a Plate
- Removing Stickers and Tags
- Double Sided Tape For Wrapping Presents
- Dollar Menus at Fast Food Restaurants
- Milk Jugs and Juice Bottles For Bird Seed
- Chess Pie
- Muffins with Applesauce, Bran and Yogurt
- Orange Cranberry Cake
- Ham Pinwheels
- Pastry Mix (Pie Shell) for Storage or Baking
- Christmas Punch
- Pineapple Punch
New Requests:
- Blood Stain On Wedding Dress
- Faded Black Clothing
- Juice Stain on Mattress
- Dog with Chronic Ear Infection
- Making Paper Boxes
- Preventing Lizards Getting in House
- Easy Crabcakes Recipe
- The Best Place To Buy Vanilla Beans
- Travelling To See Nieces, Look For Advice
- Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes
- Reviews Of Olay Beauty Vitamins
- Help Me Find a Prom Dress
- Who Makes Shower Power Cleaner?
- Gasoline in Van Carpet
- Sticker Goo From Name Tags On Shirts
- Rust Stain On Porcelain Sink
- Spice Jar Labels
More Reading:
- Fabulous and Frugal Gifts for Mom
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
Daisy Duke (Chinese Pug)
Daisy Duke is a seven month old chinese pug. We purchased Daisy when she was eight weeks old from a breeder in Mineral Wells TX. My husband and I saw her puppy picture on the internet and called the breeder right away. Daisy loves to lick ears, feet, basically anything you will let her. She sleeps sideways (snoring of course) in the bed and is very protective! She loves to sit in the field and let other dogs run to her. She isn't too concerned with physical activity.
By Allison
View Article: Click Here
Bailey (Yellow Labrador Retriever)
Bailey is our beloved but brainless 4 y.o. yellow labrador retriever, the quintessential "dumb blonde". He often cocks his head to one side with a curious expression when you say his name, as if he's trying to understand what you're saying.
But what he lacks in intelligence he more than makes up for in heart. You couldn't ask for a more gentle, friendly companion, despite the language barrier. Even though he sometimes still eats his own feces and urinates in his food and water bowls (behavior more typically found in much younger pups) he still gives sweet kisses.
He enjoys jumping into and out of the bathtub, and trying to hide bones and toys from our Rottweiler (who couldn't care less because she's too cool to care... but that's another photo.
This is the second entry for Bailey. See his previous entry at:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf521715.tip.html
By debbie
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
Less Sweeping and Vacuuming
Limit the wear and tear on your flooring and how frequently you have to vacuum by not wearing shoes in your house. It will cut down on the amount of dirt that winds up on your floor dramatically. Just put a little bench next to your front door and have a place for people to put their shoes underneath it.
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Storing Spices
Tips for storing spices. Post your ideas.
Keep Spices Cool
Store your spices in a cool, dry space to keep them fresh. If they are too near to the stove they will lose their flavor more quickly.
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Saving Money on Hand Soap
Tips for saving money on hand soap. Post your ideas below!
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Saving Energy Drying Clothes
It's best to keep your dryer hot by running one load after another. It will help maintain your dryer's heat. It consumes the most energy while it is heating up. Clean the lint dryer between every use and don't over dry clothing.
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Preventing Bleaching From Stain Removers
Have you had trouble with stain removers (such as Shout, etc.) leaving a light spot on your dark or bright-colored clothing like it had been bleached?
Here's what I do for stains on dark or bright-colored clothing: while the garment is dry, with your finger carefully daub right on the stain with water. Then dip your finger in a little bit of the stain remover and carefully daub where it's wet; then wash in the washing machine. You might have to do this a couple of times for stubborn stains but at least it won't leave a bleach mark like it does sometimes when you spray the stain remover directly on the dry clothing.
By Lynn from Calif.
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When Does Life Begin? Joke
Three ministers were together one day and the subject came up of 'When does life begin?'
The youngest minister said, "Life begins at conception."
The next minister said, "No life begins at birth!"
The old, wise minister stated, "No life begins when the last child leaves home."
By Terri H.
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Grow a Larger Tomato Crop
Before transplanting your tomato plant seedlings outside, make your planting hole a bit deeper than usual, and drop 2 teaspoons of epsom salts in each planting hole. Sprinkle some dirt in the hole, and then add your seedling.
By truerblue
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Keeping Flies Away at a Picnic
Put a freshly unwrapped stick of mint flavored gum on the side of your plate at your next picnic -- it keeps those pesky flies away from your food.
By truerblue
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Refurbishing Wood Salad Bowls
Has your wooden salad bowl lost its "glow"? Pour some HOT olive oil into a dull wooden bowl. It will renew the finish and is definitely safe for serving food.
By porphuropolis
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Homemade Durable Pot Holders
Durable pot holders in large sizes are easy to make by stitching cotton fabric onto both sides of a cotton washcloth.
By porphuropolis
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Be Smart When Stocking Up
While shopping if you stock up on an item that you use only once a year, it's not really a good deal, plus it's probably just going to take up valuable space that you could be using for something else.
By Terri
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Check with the Grocer
Check with your grocer from time to time to see about any greatly reduced meats or fruits that he'd be getting rid of. You could put those fruits to good use making batches of homemade jams, jellies, preserves, fruit breads, cobblers or pies. Meats could be put in the freezer for later uses. A touch of brown only means the meat is aged and nothing is wrong with it.
By Terri
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Drink Lots of Water
With Summer not far away, I'd like to stress the importance of drinking enough water so you don't get dehydrated. A few years ago, had my husband have taken this advice, he'd have not had an emergency Dr's. appointment. But he got overheated at work, nearly passed out and had to be rushed to the Dr. (we don't have a hospital locally).
Upon being checked out the Dr. asked how much fluids he'd had to drink that day. My husband's response was "not much". The Dr. replied that "when you're not urinating, you're not drinking enough fluids, please keep this in mind."
Now my husband is better with his water drinking. He said he "never wants to go thru that again!"
However in some areas, drinking too much water can be fatal, but also not enough can, also, be fatal. Check to see how much is enough for the area you live in. Save yourself a trip to the emergency room or worse.
By Terri
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Organize Tools With Fishing Tackle Boxes
Fishing tackle boxes work great for keeping small power tools and their accessories and bits organized. Whenever I see fishing tackle box at a garage sale or rummage sale I grab it. You can uses stencils and spray paint to label the outside of the box.
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Giving Gift Cards
At a recent baby shower, I realized that GIFT CARDS though they seem impersonal are really appreciated by the recipient. Young Mothers have a very different taste in clothes than we older women do, and this lets them do their own choosing. Actually, I've decided that that's what I'm doing for Christmas this year. When I have extra to spend I'm picking up gift cards. By December most of my gifts will be paid for.
By Sharon,Ky
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Keeping Soup Bowls From Sliding on a Plate
To keep a soup bowl from sliding on the plate I put a paper towel or napkin between the bowl and the plate when I put it in and take it out of the the microwave. This also a good tip when eating soup, especially if you are not eating at the table.
By Rebecca Hockaday
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Removing Stickers and Tags
There is an oil-based remover out to use on residue left from tape, price tags, etc., but often this ruins the item, especially if it's a book or paper-derived product.
If you can get part of the tag/tape off, just keep dabbing that piece over the area and I promise you it will remove the residue in a short time. This also works on glass and saves having to wipe the oily product off of everything it touches.
By Patricia1951
When attempting to remove those difficult labels and price tags from a newly purchased item, try lighter fluid. It will penetrate the label and dissolve the adhesive, without causing any damage to the product.
By Doug Fielder
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Double Sided Tape For Wrapping Presents
When wrapping any type of gifts, especially at Christmas time, a roll of Scotch double sided tape is a wise investment. It is easier,and faster to wrap the gifts, and the packages are more attractive, since no tape is visible on top of the paper or ribbons.
By Doug Fielder
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Dollar Menus at Fast Food Restaurants
Many times when our daughters were younger, they would go on activities, especially with our church. On those activities it was often necessary to eat at a fast food restaurant. This can get very expensive and some weeks we just didn't have the money for them to go and eat. We quickly found out, though, that many places to eat, especially McDonald's, have a $1 menu. They could get a dollar burger, dollar fry, and get ice water to drink. Now we will often do the same thing when we are on the road traveling. Saves quite a bit of money.
By Robin
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Milk Jugs and Juice Bottles For Bird Seed
I reuse plastic milk jugs with the end cut off to use as scoops for birdseed. I reuse plastic juice bottles to store the seed in. I make a funnel out of a milk jug by cutting the end off and placing the small end into the juice bottle, so I just scoop the seed with one reused milk jug, and pour it into the funnel which just fits on the top of the juice bottles.
This way I just have to fill jugs about once a week and just grab a couple and hike up the hill to fill my bird feeders. A good way to reuse materials without having to buy scoops and funnels!
By Starlight
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Chess Pie
MY FAVORITE:
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cornmeal
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 unbaked pie shell.
Directions:
Combine and bake in a pie shell slowly at 350 degrees until a crust forms on the top of the pie and is golden brown (approximately 45 minutes).
By Sharon,Ky
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Muffins with Applesauce, Bran and Yogurt
Ingredients:
- 5 cups Flour
- 4 cups buttermilk
- 3 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 20oz Raisin Bran
- 2 tsp soda
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup yogurt
Directions:
Mix ingredients together and bake in greased muffin tins for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. These will also FREEZE well.
By Sharon,Ky
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Orange Cranberry Cake
1 box butter cake mix
(prepared as directed on box) to which is added:
1 cup chopped cranberries
Grated rinds of 2 oranges
1 cup nut meats
After baking, pour over the hot cake a mixture of juice from 2 oranges and 1/2 cup sugar. Top with whipped cream
By Robin
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Ham Pinwheels
Ingredients:
- 1 8oz can Crescent rolls
- 6 teaspoons spreadable cheese or Ranch dip
- 6 slices Ham
Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread dough into 4 triangles. Press perforations to seal. Spread triangles with cheese or dip to within 1/4" of edges. Starting with the shortest sideroll up each triangle, pressing edges to seal. Cut each roll into 6 slices. Place,cut-sides down on a baking stone or ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 12-18 minutes or till golden brown. Makes 24 appetizers.
By Sharon,Ky
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Pastry Mix (Pie Shell) for Storage or Baking
This mixture will keep nicely on a cool pantry shelf or can be refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator a half hour before baking. Makes 8-9 cups:
Ingredients:
- 6 cups all purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 can (1 pound) vegetable shortening (about 2 1/2 cups)
Directions:
Combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Cover and store in a cool place.
To use for 1 9 inch pie: Combine 2 cups pastry mix with 2-3 tablespoons cold water. Mix lightly until dough holds together and starts to leave the side of bowl. Roll out to a 12 inch round on a lightly floured surface: fit into pie plate. Fold overhang under; pinch to make a standing edge; flute. Bake as directed for your pie recipe.
By Sharon,Ky
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Christmas Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 lg Pineapple juice
- 2 pkg Strawberry jello
- 6 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 12oz can frozen orange juice
- 1 can frozen lemonade.
Directions:
Add boiling water to Jello and stir to dissolve. Add cold water, sugar, juice and lemonade. Pour in Gingerale JUST BEFORE SERVING.
By Sharon, Ky
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Pineapple Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 2-liter pineapple pop (Called PINAZZ)
- 2 lg pineapple juice
- 2 lg Gingerale
- 2 frozen lemonade
- 1 pineapple sherbet.
Directions:
A Shower favorite.
By Sharon,Ky
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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 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:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/syndication.html
New Requests:
Blood Stain On Wedding Dress
Please can someone help me! My friend was making alterations to my ivory silk wedding dress and pricked her finger and has left a blood stain on it. How do I get the stain out, it has dried in now. Please help, I don't know what to do!
Many thanks,
Mylie in London
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Faded Black Clothing
I love the color black and have so many black items that have faded, including pants, jeans, tops, even underwear ... you name it.
Is there any way to salvage these clothes and make them darker again? I hate to throw them out because they are still in good condition.
Also, what causes the fading in the first place? I wash them in warm water, normal cycle. I used Tide Detergent. I have heard bad things about Tide 'fading' your clothes. Is this true? What would a better detergent be. I just bought Arm and Hammer.
Okay that's two questions. All suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Anjeena
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Juice Stain on Mattress
Does anyone know how to remove red juice stain from the mattress. My daughter spilled red juice on the mattress and I cant seem to get it out. Any suggestions? Please help,
Thanks,
Tania from Florida
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Dog with Chronic Ear Infection
I have an elderly lab/beagle mix. Indoor dog. She is constantly getting ear infections and it is costing me a fortune. Anyone have any ideas, suggestions, solutions or non-perscription cures?
c.j.cox
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Making Paper Boxes
I need instuctions or patterns for making paper boxes - not decorating them. Can you help?
Jan in NC
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Preventing Lizards Getting in House
Does anyone know how to get rid of lizards that live near the house and run inside if they get a chance?
Thanks,
Beverly from TN.
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Easy Crabcakes Recipe
I would like to try my hand at making crabcakes. Anyone have a quick, easy and tasty recipe? Also, what do you serve with crabcakes to make a meal?
Meari
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The Best Place To Buy Vanilla Beans
Recently there was a tip on how to make your own vanilla extract. Does anyone have an idea of where is the best place to get the vanilla beans?
Gardencraft
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Travelling To See Nieces, Look For Advice
I am traveling to florida for the weekend in may to see nieces i haven't seen in 4 yrs. I am very excited. I don't have a lot of money but I am looking for suggestions on...
1. What can I wear on the airplane for when I get there so she will see me right off?
2. What if anything should I do for a meal? should I take them out and treat them? There are 3 girls as well as their parents, etc.
Thank you,
Sandy
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Washing Machine Not Cleaning Clothes
My washing machine is not cleaning my clothes, and there appears to be black grease or something of that sort.
How do I get rid of this problem.
Wendy Hubelit
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Reviews Of Olay Beauty Vitamins
Has anyone tried any of the Olay Beauty Vitamins? If so, did you see a difference in your skin?
Trish from New York
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Help Me Find a Prom Dress
i am looking for an inexpensive prom dress. i would reeally like for it ot be pink, dark blue, red, or black size 11-13 my bust is about 38C. i need it before April 29. And I also need to find a inexpensive tux for my date. Please help us. Seniors 2005!
Juarez Girl
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Who Makes Shower Power Cleaner?
Can someone please tell me who makes Shower Power Cleaner? It comes in a blue spray bottle, has a minty smell? Thank you very much.
ketchikanblond
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Gasoline in Van Carpet
I had a 2 gallon gas can unknowingly tip and spill contents in the back of our new Ford Van. 1st thing I did was PANIC. Then I soaked up all the gas that I could with rags and spread that green/piney smelly floor clean-up powder to absorb gas wetness in the carpet.
This turned the beige carpet green and my wife PANICKED. Vacuumed it up & scrubbed with Haggerty's Carpet cleaner, the green went. Bought a huge bag of kitty litter and covered the entire floor. Now we Pray and have a sleepless night. Any response or help would be appreciated. Thanks. Edgar from Canada
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Sticker Goo From Name Tags On Shirts
My daughter came home recently with name tags on her t-shirt from a school project. I assumed she'd removed them before washing & drying however I just noticed the sticker goo is still on the thin t-shirt fabric. How can I safely remove this from these brand new shirts?
Melissa W.
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Rust Stain On Porcelain Sink
Everyone out there has been so helpful with so many requests I've had I hope they can help me with this one. I was soaking one of my son's tin ashtrays in my white porcelain sink for a day or two and when I finally went to clean it I found the ashtray left a rust stain like ring in my sink.
I did everything to clean the ring short of painting the sink. I bleached it, used ajax, simple green and scrubbed it and nothing seems to work the stain is still there. HELP, what can I do to get this stain out of my white sink?
Thank you
MrsA1126
Staten Island
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Spice Jar Labels
I have accumulated about 40 spice jars and want to have them displayed on my counter on one of those 3 tier expandable shelves. I want to label them, but my Dymo labels don't stick very well. They do fine on everything else. Any suggestions?
Acope
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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:
Fabulous and Frugal Gifts for Mom
By Cyndi Roberts
What to do? Mother's Day is just around the
corner and there's just no money in the budget
for gifts. Not to worry! Just look over this
list of inexpensive gifts to buy or make and
you'll be all set. These budget ideas with
a lot of heart can mean more than 2 dozen red
roses to a mom!
View Article: Click Here
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