|
|
|
Hello,
Here's today's featured request...
Cookware for a Glass Top Stove
What type of cookware should I use on a glass top stove?
Janrose from Indiana
Post Feedback:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38338648.tip.html
I hope every had a wonderful weekend. Contest winners will be announced Monday for last week.
Thanks for reading,
Susan
Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photos:
Today's Tips:
New Requests:
More Reading:
| Today's Sponsors
Get "The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer" Free When you subscribe to my newsletter "The Budget Stretcher" you will receive this easy guide to effectively organizing and managing your money absolutely free. Get all of the Budget Forms and Worksheets you need to make it work for you. Click the below link to learn more: More Information:
|
Today's Photos
| Beaded Bookmarks
View This Craft: Click Here |
| Ellie (Mixed Breed)
Ellie is 5 years old and is a mixed breed. We got our dog as a puppy five years ago from a friend. She likes to chase cats and go for walks around our neighborhood. She is the sweetest dog that I have ever seen. She would never hurt a thing (even the cats she chases)! By Kim from West Monroe, LA. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Lace Tablecloth Wall Hanging
This is a ruined lace tablecloth that was reincarnated into a wall hanging! I cut a broom handle to fit and painted it. I put the drawer pull on the right end to go with the leaf rod finial on the other - its attached to the wall with 2 cup hooks. A dragonfly pop jewelry pin sits on the left end by the leaves. By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, MO Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Anna in the Christmas Spirit
This is a picture of my 15 month old granddaughter, Anna really getting into the Christmas spirit! By Karen from Pensacola, FL Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tea Display on a Buffet
I am a tea lover and bought a cherry tea chest to display on my buffet. I placed it in the center of the buffet; on each side are two large pillar candle holders which have clear marbles and white pillar candles. On each side of the pillar candle holders are silver candlesticks with light green taper candles; a cluster of artificial grapes hung from the candle. Two teapot buffet lamps are placed at each corner. The tea chest is the center of the buffet. A small silver tea service with a silver vase filled with honey sticks tied with a light green ribbon sits in front of one of the lamps; my granddaughter's small white gloves are laid near the tea set. A small book entitled "With a Cup of Tea" sits on an easel. An English teacup/saucer on a stand is also a feature on the buffet. Two fluted candles with gel candles (to host the year 2007) are placed on a small mirror; a pearl studded votive candle is in the center. A bottle of wine given to my husband for Christmas sits on a silver coaster. The buffet belonged to my late mother and she would be proud of its beauty. By WandaJo from Tennessee Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Contests!
The above contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Contest Started! |
Today's Tips
Uses for Fireplace Ashes
Question:What is the best way to discard ashes from your fireplace? Is there another use for this ash? Any suggestions are welcome.Thanks,
Answer:Martha,Wood ash has a lot of uses. Here are just a few suggestions.
Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Wading Pool For Yard Waste
This tip needs a small to medium child's wading pool, either new or used. You can reuse the pool as a leaf or garden disposing vehicle. It can carry a multitude of garden or lawn refuse and will not leave wheel marks on your lawn. It is so easy to pull toward that compost area and is easily dumped. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Powdered Milk Taste Better
I am using powdered milk to save money (I get the powdered milk for free). Is there anything I can do to the reconstituted milk to make it taste better? I added a tablespoon of sugar and some vanilla today, nothing changed. It still tastes like powder. Sandy from Baltimore Answers:Mix Whole Milk With PowderedWhen my son comes to visit, he always buys whole milk at store. As soon as possible, dilute it half and half with powdered milk. I have an extra whole milk bottle and mix it half and half with 2 percent and powdered milk. If it stands a half a day, it tastes just like whole milk and a lot fresher. I have been doing this since he was a child, he is now 40 years old and a lot healthier for it.By Janene from Navarre, Ohio Add VanillaWhen I was a kid, my mother would reconstitute the powdered milk and add some real vanilla (not artificial vanilla) flavoring. This would be served ice cold after a few hours. Shake well. Putting it in a glass refrigerator container might make it taste better than keeping it in plastic. If I can tell the difference between iced tea in plastic as opposed to glass, then reconstituted milk may also show the difference.I purchased some nice reasonable glass refrigerator beverage containers at Bed Bath & Beyond recently. Or, you could even re-use the glass bottles that the grocery stores have for organic milk. By Holly Reduce Fat In Milk GraduallyI have used dry milk for over 40 years. At first it was because it was free. Then it was because I thought that the low fat was better for my kids once they were no longer babies. Whole Fat Milk 4% rate (8% of total calories) seems like overload.At first, I had to mix with whole milk, but gradually reduce fat milk to 2% and then 1%. After my family became accustomed to the taste, they quit complaining. Took about 10 weeks of the gradual reduction of mixed in fat. However, the last two kids just drank it always like everyone else. When they went to school and were given whole milk for lunch, they complained about that. LOL If milk is to drink, always make it at least 12 hours in advance and refrigerate. It doesn't seem to make so much difference on cereal and no dif at all in cooking, unless the recipe needs the fat. Use Warm Water In Powdered MilkSame here as far as mixing with whole milk when you're starting to use it. I also found that mixing the milk using really warm water helped it dissolve better and, after chilling, it tasted a lot better.Add A CarrotA friend who had been in the Navy told me that they had to use powdered milk when out on cruise. They mixed the milk, put a fresh peeled carrot in and then chilled the milk. I was told that this made it taste like fresh milk, plus added beta carotene to it. I tried it, however, and although it did improve the taste, it was still just so-so. It would still be cheaper to try this way than to mix half whole milk.Use Non Dairy Creamer And Artificial SweetenerI use powdered milk daily for my cereal. I don't care for whole milk to drink. I mix 1 cup powdered milk with approximately 1/3 cup of powdered coffee creamer and 1 package artificial sweetener to make 64 ounces. My sugar is restricted. You can use a small amount of sugar. Thoroughly chilled and made ahead of time, it tastes great to me.Add Flavored Mixes Or BananaIf at all possible, I'd add hot chocolate or strawberry flavoring mix to it for kids drinks. In cereals, I'd also use a banana with COLD powdered milk. Try to buy it from a newer or better store so it is not OLD. Old will taste bad because it isn't fresh dried. In foods, one cannot tell the difference.Letting it set overnight works for us, AND mixing it exactly as it suggests, not too strong, and with ICE WATER. Try finding a better brand than the cheapest. I find that canned fat-free milk for cooking is more reliable, but haven't compared the price. Powdered milk really isn't that cheap, the best I recall. I keep it only for emergencies mostly. I will be using it this next month if given any, because I have NO money for food, guaranteed. By Lynda Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Use Promotional Credit Cards For Cleaning
The promotional information that is mailed to you for you sign up for a new credit card sometimes contains a mock plastic card in the envelope. Don't throw it away. I find that it works wonders on scraping pots and pans with little effort and without harming the pots and pans. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Holding A Nail In Place
Having a difficult time holding that small nail while trying to hammer it into the wall? Here's a great tip, poke it through an index card and keep hold on the index card. It's a sure bet that you won't hit your fingers with the hammer! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Play Pac-Man Online
Here's a free Pac Man game you can play online. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Tips for Storing Christmas Ornaments and Other Decorations
Tips an ideas for storing Christmas ornaments and all the other decorations that you won't need for a year. Post your ideas. Use Divided Liquor Store BoxesNow that the holidays are winding down and it is now time to put away the decorations, I find the inserts in boxes from the liquor store are perfect to store your ornaments. Simply, wrap the ornaments in tissue paper and place in each section.By Laura from Chicago, Illinois Can't afford those snazzy red and green boxes to pack your ornaments in? You have everything you need to pack them free. First, wrap them in used wrapping paper. Do not use newspaper, it can discolor some ornaments. Stop by the local liquor store and pick up wine boxes, the ones with the dividers for all the bottles. Store owners will let you have as many as you want free. You're able to slide the ornaments in the slots (They also work well for crystal, too.) Wrapped ornaments can be stacked on top of one another. Heaviest goes on the bottom, of course. Tiny or miniature ornaments can be stored in egg cartons. If you plan to store boxes in the attic, put in a moth ball and secure with tape. This keeps the varmints out. Label boxes with large print so you can see them far away. This will keep you from working too hard to find them next year. By Carole from Clay City, IN If you are near a liquor store, ask them for their boxes. They all have neat dividers in them that are perfect for storing breakables. By wallflower Don't Use NewspaperDo not store Christmas ornaments in newspaper. The ink may come off on the ornaments while in storage.By Linda Plastic Storage BoxesUse Rubbermaid type storage boxes so they will not crush and break your fragile ornaments!By homeschoolin_mum Label Boxes As Indoor And OutdoorThese are more "Wish I had done" ideas: Something I haven't done but wished I had done when I hauled out ornaments this year is to label my boxes as outdoor and indoor decorations. Then I would know which box to grab when I am ready to do the outdoors (usually before I am ready to tackle the inside and/or when the weather is better).I use 3 huge Rubbermaid-type containers for all of my decorations and ornaments. They stack well, and can be shuffled to the back of the storage area during the off season. I hope when I put everything away this year I can take the time to organize things better: Christmas village, breakables, or other ornaments of a single theme all stored together. Oh, and put the Christmas cards where they are easy to get to early in the season so I can send them out earlier. Use A Garland To Protect GlassI have always struggled with the glass bulbs. I don't want to keep the bulky boxes they come in, but what to do? This year I stumbled on an idea I think may work. I used old garland (the tinsel type). It was all I had on hand, but it was easier than paper of any kind - and looked pretty!By whach4him Packing Christmas OrnamentsWhen shopping yesterday I noticed in the aisle of the store a cardboard box with dividers in it and many, many single sheets of bubble wrap. I asked an employee if they would be tossing the box and wrap out. They said "yes". I asked if I might have it. All I had to do was go to customer service to verify that it was ok (which it was) and now when I take my decorations off of the tree I will have a great place to store some of them. I plan on keeping my eyes open to accumulate more. It really pays to keep your eyes open and it proves that sometimes things are yours for the asking.By joesgirl Divided Boxes For Glassesi use boxes that individual glasses come in. i work for a restaurant and have asked owners for the boxes when they order new glassesBy jo. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| New Containers For Your Plants
Did you receive one of those nifty bath baskets for Christmas? Is the basket made of wire? Well, here is a idea to use it after all the bath contents are gone. Line the basket with a coconut basket liner, fill with soil and plant flowers or herbs in it. You could do this also with baskets that held coffee mugs or any kitchen item as long as it is made of metal. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Sew Two Twin Blankets To Make A Big King Sized One
Need a big King size blanket that won't fall short of keeping you and your husband warm? While looking for an affordable (less than $90) King sized electric blanket, I was in a quandary. "How do I find one before Christmas?" Problem is, we have an Eastern King, in a California King state. Our bed is wide. Unless I spend a gajillion dollars on some fancy schmancy sheets or blankets (which I might only gain a few inches on each side), I'm in trouble. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Kids Drinks In Bottles
For households with young children always wanting a glass of drink fixed, try this: Get a plastic bottle with a pull open top that closes and opens. Example: a large sports drink bottle. Write the kid's name on it in magic marker and fill with drink. Put in fridge. They can get it out and drink what they want and put the rest back in the fridge for later. You'll have a lot less glasses to wash and time saved always pouring drinks. Post Feedback: Click Here |
|
Syndication Spotlight
Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter. Webby now has a blog, read his latest newsletter as well as back issues here: http://webby.com/humor/blog/ More Information:
|
New Requests
| Ceiling Ideas for a Bathroom Shower Stall
I am redoing my small bathroom shower stall. Can anyone give me some great ideas for the ceiling to prevent water from making mold and mildew on ceiling from the water moisture. Something other than tile and sheetrock that will prevent this. What other easy ideas can be used for the ceiling that will stay and water moisture want mess it up. Please help. I'm starting on it in 3 days. God Bless. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| 15 Year Old Birthday Ideas
My daughter will be turning 15 years old in May. I would like to do something very special with her and 3 of her friends. She has been a straight A student since Kindergarten. Any suggestions? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Installing Laminate Flooring
How do you install laminate flooring? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| MultiGard Heartworm Medication
Is anyone familiar with MultiGard, a heartworm preventive tablet, which is supposed to be like Sentinel? It's apparently available in Australia but I cannot find any information about it. Or does anyone know where I can buy Sentinel here in the US? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Sticker Residue on Leather
I have a glue stain on a leather jacket from a "Hello my name is" sticker. Removing the sticker left a white glue stain. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Gardening Resolutions For 2007
By Ellen Brown Each year I come across new ideas for improving my garden the following year. Sometimes I find a new idea for an outdoor project, and other times I discover a way to improve upon an old gardening technique. The problem is, I rarely write the ideas down. By the time the next gardening season rolls around, I can't seem to remember any of my new ideas. Last year I resolved to make a list of resolutions for 2007. Here they are: Take A Proactive ApproachThis year I resolve to take a more proactive approach to my garden. I'm going to spend more time observing my plants so I can head off problems at the first sign of trouble. I'm going to observe and inventory garden insects and record wildlife activity and try to come up with more ways to attract birds, butterflies and beneficial bugs to my garden. I'm also going look for new ways to control weeds. This year I intend to spend more time enjoying my garden and less time weeding.Keep Up My Garden JournalThis is a resolution of mine every year. I always start out with good intentions, but by the time mid-summer rolls around, things get busy and I end up forgetting all about keep up my garden journal. Because I'm part photographer by trade, I'm always diligent about taking pictures of my garden. What I'm not good at is keeping track of new plant varieties that I come across or jotting down things I want to remember for next year. One problem seems to be that whenever I'm inside, my garden journal is in shed and vice-versa. This year I resolve to keep my garden journal next to the shed keys.Share Plants, Swap SeedsOver the years, my perennial garden has evolved into a living tribute to my friends and family. Sure, I've bought plenty of own bedding plants and started lots of plants from seed, but the plants in my garden that I cherish the most are the plants that I've acquired from friends and family. I have lilacs and coral bells from my aunt and uncle's farm, hollyhocks and bleeding heart from my mother, daylilies from a friend and a crabapple tree from a co-worker. Sharing plants and swapping seeds is a great way to share the beauty of your garden and share yourself with others. This year I intend to give away more from my garden.Water More EfficientlyWhile visiting a friend's garden this summer, I discovered a better way to water raised beds. The system she uses was designed by her husband and consists of a simple network of PVC pipes that hooks up to her garden hose. The pipes are customized to fit the exact dimensions of her raised beds so that no water is ever wasted. This year I resolve to devise a similar system for my vegetable garden.Beautify My BoulevardStorm water runoff is a huge environmental concern where I live. I've eliminated all chemicals from my garden and I make an effort to keep the dirt and sand from the street in front of my house from entering the storm drain at the end of my block. This year I resolve to expand my garden to the boulevard in front of my house to help further reduce storm water runoff in my community.What are some of your gardening intentions for 2007? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Smoothie Stain on Carpet
I have a blueberry smoothie stain on synthetic carpet blend. I've tried dabbing stain removal soap in warm water and now white vinegar. What next? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Non-water Based Cleaners
What are examples of non-water based cleaners? I have a fabric sofa that has been scotchgarded and has been stained with a clear liquid soap. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Water Stains on a Countertop
I have a dark blue counter top in my bathroom and it has water stains or soap stains on it. Can anyone tell me how I can get ithem out? I tried white vinegar but it didn't work but it lloked a little better. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Kitchen Paint Color Advice
I have a light green countertop, white cabinets, ceramic tiles on the floor that are white with hints of green and a light pink in it and the backsplash is about the same as the floor. What color can a paint the walls outside of an eggshell white? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Cookware for a Glass Top Stove
What type of cookware should I use on a glass top stove? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Remedies for Acne on My Back
Does anyone know of a good treatment for acne on your back? I get painful pimples on my back more often than I get them on my face nowadays! Just wondering if there's any soap/bodywash out there someone has tried and it worked. Or any home remedies? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| White Out on Microfiber
I have paper liquid or white out on my microfiber sofa. Please help me. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Nursing Home Crafts
I work in the activities department of a busy nursing home. It is a challenge finding craft ideas that are enjoyable to MEN. Any ideas? Bear in mind that these dear gentlemen have physical and/or mental limitations, so crafts must be fairly simple and safe to do under appropriate staff supervision. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Black Leather Sofa and Dark Oak Flooring
I have black leather sofa's and dark oak flooring. What color walls will to create a light modern feel? I would like to get material to make curtains and cushions to match as well. Can you help? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Lady Fingers (Flower)
Would anyone know of a flower called Lady Fingers? I have not heard of this for a while. I also can not find them anywhere. Any help would be great. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| LCD or Plasma TV?
I am looking for information about LCD vs. Plasma TVs. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Dry Elbows
I have really dry scaly elbows. I have tried everything to get rid of this. They feel so bad that when rubbed against someone it scratches the individual and they look at my elbows to see if they look like sandpaper. They drive me crazy, but I have tried everything. Any great homemade remedies? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Hooked Rug
I am looking for anyone that has some info on how to make a hooked rug from rags! Help! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Meanings of Colors
I need to know the meaning of the colors in the rainbow for a rainbow tea program at church and ideas to decorate. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Red Wine Stains on Clothing
How do you remove red wine stain from 100% cotton clothing? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Shrinking Leather Boots
My leather boots are too big and keep slipping from the knee. Any suggestions on how I can shrink the leather so they stay put? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Male Shitzu Peeing in the House
My 2 year old Shitzu pees everywhere, mostly when nobody is home. My Lapsa/poodle female does not behave this way. I am tired of telling him not do it because he doesn't care. Any advice? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Outdoor Graduation Party
I'm 19 years old and I'm planning my own college graduation party in April. I have no idea where to start. I am inviting about 80-90 people and I found a location that is outdoors with tables, a huge BBQ, and a lot of open space. Any ideas for it would be really awesome. I want it to be fun but at the same time classy. I am thinking about including my favorite color which is hot pink. I really want the party to reflect me, a real girly girl! Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Chili Seeds
I am looking for information about growing chili plants from existing fruit, seed storage and drying to get the seed. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Musty Smell on Tupperware
How do you get the smell out of plastic glasses and bowls? My tupperware has a musty smell. I have tried soda. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Making Paper Boxes
How do you make paper boxes? Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Mildew Smell on Leather
Does anyone know how to clean leather that has old smell? The smell is awful like old wet mildew. Post Feedback: Click Here |
| Armstrong Tile Floor Has Lost Its Shine
I have a not-too-old (5 years) Armstrong mostly white tile kitchen floor and the finish seems to be gone on. It is driving me crazy as it NEVER shines or looks clean. It is slightly bumpy as opposed to smooth and the bumps pick up everything off ones feet and it never comes clean. Is there some kind of a coating that can be used to restore the shine? Post Feedback: Click Here |
Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here
| Today's Sponsors
"The award-winning, free Web browser is better than ever. Browse the Web with confidence - Firefox protects you from viruses, spyware and pop-ups. Enjoy improvements to performance, ease of use and privacy. It's easy to import your favorites and settings and get started. Download Firefox now and get the most out of the Web." You can download Firefox with or without the Google Toolbar, both versions are free. More Information:
|
More Reading
| Crockpot Bread Pudding
Serve Hot or Cold. Read More: Click Here |
Planting Bulbs
Question:When is the best time to plant tulip, lily, crocus and iris bulbs? I ordered about 60 of these bulbs and they said they are fall harvest. Does that mean to plant them in the fall? They are supposed to bloom in the spring, but will the grow during the winter? Will the bulbs be alright in the ground all winter? I've seen lots of iris' around in the spring and they are beautiful, that's what I'm hoping for.Read More: Click Here |
| A Family Oral History
By Debra Frick This could be a fun project for the teenagers in your family or just yourself. The best place to do this would be a family reunion, but if your family lives nearby, it can be easily accomplished. Basically, you will be interviewing the oldest members of your family, asking them to recall what it was like to live in the times that they did. I am going to detail just what you will need to do to put down their memories. First, you will need a tape recorder or, even better, a video camera. Plan on typing up your interview so that you can have a hard copy. Better to be safe than sorry if something should happen to your tape or video. You might also want to have a pen and paper available to take notes also. This will make a nice gift for others in your family. Read More: Click Here |
| Gardening Trends for 2007
By Ellen Brown Once again writers from The Garden Writers Association along with the folks at Garden Media Group have tracked consumer garden purchases for 2006 in order to predict trends for the upcoming year. Here is how gardeners voted with their dollars in 2006 and how that translates into gardening trends for 2007. Read More: Click Here |
Let others know that you like this Ezine:
Vote For the Daily Thrifty Tips
| Interactive
Coupon Swap!
Seed Swap!
|
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
This is a fun craft that kids can do in minutes. These bookmarks make great gifts.
