Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 279, November 25, 2005
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Hello,
We hope all of our U.S. readers had a Happy Thanksgiving. We did. There are more turkey and ham leftover recipes in today's ThriftyFun Recipe Newsletter.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72898781.tip.html
Thanks for reading,
Susan
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Today's Photos
No Bake Santa Cookies
Here's a cute no bake Santa cookie to whip up on an hours notice. Use Nutter Butter cookies from your local supermarket. Just dip top in (head end) melted white chocolate and sprinkle with red colored sugar. Dot with either a white chocolate morsel or 1/2 of a mini marshmallow for the pom pom. Let cool on parchment paper lined rack.
When that has dried, dip the beard end and if you want, sprinkle with sanding sugar (optional).
For eyes and nose use mini semi sweet morsels and use a drop of melted white chocolate to get them to stick and the same with the nose using a red hot candy or a small red M&M.
By Deb from Williamstown NJ
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Help with the Garden
"Kitty, kitty what I pity, you don't help my garden grow. You climb and walk up flower stalks, to give us all a little show".
By KimberlyS MoorePrescott from Petaluma, CA
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Buster (Scottish Terrier) Works at Nursing Home
Buster is 5 he turned 6 on Thanksgiving Day and is a Scottish Terrier.
I got Buster around Valentines Day from a pet store. I wouldn't recommend buying from a pet store. He was very sick.
Buster loves to chase the squirrels and birds from our backyard. Also he enjoys hanging out at home with his family and playing fetch with his toys.
Buster works weekends at a nursing home. He loves being with people and has a very sweet personality. He hops in bed with them kisses them then snuggles. They love it! They could pull his tail off and he would never move. It takes a special dog. He brings a lot of joy to many people and I am very proud of him.
By Val Muller from Phila. Pa.
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Brushing Teeth
Friends don't let their friend go to bed without brushing!!
By Nancy from Charleston, SC
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Today's Tips
Gift Certificate to Grocery
One of the best Christmas gifts we ever got was a gift certificate to a local grocery store. It was a time when things were particularly hard for us, money-wise, and considering our situation, was a very special gift.
By Robin from Washington, IA
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Frugal Turkey Enchiladas
I decided to use up the last of a turkey that I had in the freezer by making enchiladas. I was appalled to find that the enchilada sauce was well over $2.50 a can. Instead, I bought a packet of enchilada sauce mix for 50 cents, and the required can of tomato paste which was in my cupboard cost 33 cents, bought at Big Lots. Total $ .83 for the sauce which would have cost me over $2.5 ready made.
I made a pan of turkey enchiladas, and then used up some taco meat and made a smaller pan of enchiladas in a pan lined with foil, and popped it in to the freezer. Not counting the meat I figure the total cost to be $.83 for the sauce, $1 for the tortillas and $1 for cheese to top both pans. Not too shabby!
By Linda
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Leftover Turkey Ideas
You don't have to stuff yourself with all that turkey right away. Cut it up into bite sized pieces, and measure the turkey into individual freezer bags. Divide the turkey into the amounts you normally use turkey or chicken in recipes. Next time you want to make a casserole or something, your turkey is all cooked and measured for you, and you just have to toss it in with the other ingredients for a quick dinner. And it isn't as boring as two weeks of turkey sandwiches!
By Lynn
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Saving on Hot Water Bills
To help keep gas and electricity bills down, slow down your water when you take a shower. For some reason we think we need it on all the way. You can also turn your hot water tank down some till winter is over.
By April from Buffalo, NY
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Using up Leftover Stuffing
Slice leftover stuffing and warm on stove or microwave. Serve fried eggs over it (or next to it) for breakfast or a quick lunch or dinner. Can also be served next to scrambled eggs.
Cathy
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Saving Holiday Bird Broth - Freezing Turkey Broth
The holiday bird always left me with plenty of leftover broth. I use the dixie drink cups, little kid size, to save it in smaller batches. I fill the cups, cover and sit them on a cookie sheet in the freezer till frozen. Then I rip away the cup and put them in a big ziplock bag. I now have half cup cones to add to potatoes or noodles, etc.
By Susan
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Kids Christmas Wish Lists
Encourage your kids to make a wish list. Every time they see a toy they want on TV or in a magazine, remind them to add to the wish list. Emphasize that this is a WISH list - not a demand list. When friends or relatives ask what your kids want, you can offer some suggestions. Also ask these people to give you a heads up on their choices to avoid duplicates, if they don't mind. I suggest keeping the lists handy-like on the fridge!
By Linda from Vista, CA
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New Requests
Christmas Balls
I would like to know how to make the big Christmas balls, made from plastic cups and lights. I have seen them a few times and I think they are so cheery for the holiday. Any info on how to make them would be so much appreciated.
Thank you,
Susie from Orting, WA
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Squeaking Ferret Toys
I am playing Santa to a shelter ferret for Christmas. Her wants and needs are small as she is ill but one thing her person requested for her was small plush toys with a squeaker in them. She likes to hide them around the room, her human said. I could find the deep soft sleep sacks she needed and bought them but can't find the squeak toys that are small, fuzzy, etc. All the ones I found are big. Can anybody help me out?
Tazferret from PA
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Cajun Crab Dip
Does anyone have a recipe for Cajun Crab Dip they would like to share?
I had it recently at Tom Thumb Grocery store. Very tasty. Needs to have less additives.
Thanks,
Holly from Richardson, TX
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Kitchencraft Flatware
I bought a set of Kitchencraft kettles in 1958 and got a "free" set of stainless flatware with it. I am looking for another set or additional pieces. It is very plain, very good quality. The handles are square on the ends with a little notch. There is no identification on the pieces at all. I don't have a picture now but can post one if anyone has any questions. I live in ND - don't know where all these sets were sold. Anyone know where I can get more?
Marlene from Larimore, ND
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Candy Cane Cookies
I have lost my recipe for candy cane cookies using peppermint extract. Does anybody happen to have this recipe? I would greatly appreciate any help I can get with this, as they are well liked in our family for Christmas. Thank You in advance!
jmz2005 from illinois
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Peeling Cooked Sweet Potatoes
Is there a trick to peeling sweet potatoes after they have been cooked with jackets on?
dancin25
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Dog Keeps Knocking Over His Food
I have a two year old cocker spaniel who has a habit of pushing his food out of the bowl and eating it off the ground. We got him a food bowl and he puts his paw in the side and it makes it flop over spilling the food on the ground and then he eats it. He does it all the time. Why does he do that and how do I stop it?
Jitterbug from Oneonta, AL
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Holiday Leftover Ideas
By Rachel Paxton The holidays are a time for friends and family and good
old-fashioned home cooking. Who can resist the tempting smells
coming from the kitchen at this most favorite time of year?
Holiday dinners were among my favorite, most memorable meals as a
child. Our family shared our holiday meals with different
relatives each year, but wherever we were and whoever we were
with, we always knew to expect good food and enjoyable family
gatherings that we would remember for months to come.
When I was a child, it was always a tradition in our family to
have turkey for Thanksgiving and ham for Christmas. We would
also always enjoy mounds of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy,
candied yams with lots of butter, brown sugar, and melted
marshmallows, and I could always count on sampling my dad's
famous fruit salad. Homemade cranberry sauce was also always a
special holiday treat.
Now that I'm married we have even more family to share our
holiday meals with. With so much family, though, we rarely get
to host dinner at our house. It's always nice to go to someone
else's house to eat, but then we don't get any of the leftovers!
We usually end up taking advantage of the holiday sales at the
supermarket though, and then we can have our own little feast.
I've had a lot of fun over the years devising ways to use up the
leftovers from our own holiday meals--and I'd like to share some
of my favorite recipes with you.
Turkey and Rice Soup
- 2 1/2 cups turkey, cooked and diced
- 1 can cream of _ soup
- 1 6-ounce box long-grained rice
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup carrots, grated
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients with 6 cups of
water. Simmer, covered, until rice is cooked, approximately 30
minutes. Great with fresh bread.
Turkey Spaghetti
- 8 oz. spaghetti or other pasta
- 1 can cream of chicken or cream of _ soup
- 3/4 c. grated mild cheddar cheese
- 2 c. leftover cooked, diced turkey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional - diced celery and/or diced onion to your taste
Prepare soup as directed. Prepare spaghetti as directed then
drain. Combine spaghetti, soup and remaining ingredients. Stir
until cheese melts. Serve and enjoy!
Mashed Potatoes and Ham Bake
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 cups ham, cubed
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium-sized bowl, mix mashed
potatoes and mustard. Spread potato mixture in the bottom of a
greased 8-inch square baking pan. Arrange ham on top of
potatoes. In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese and cheddar
cheese. Spread over ham. Bake until mixture is heated through,
about 30 minutes.
Chopped Ham Sandwiches
- 2 lb. leftover ham, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 c. ketchup
- 1/4 c. vinegar
- 1 c. water
- 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Fry ham in a skillet and sprinkle flour over it. Stir in the
remaining ingredients. Simmer for 1 hour and serve on toast or
hamburger buns. Makes 15 to 20 sandwiches.
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New Requests
Keeping Candles Upright in Candlesticks
I need help getting my candlesticks to remain upright in the candlesticks. They just seem to tilt and wobble even though they appear to be a standard size. I hate to dump everything and start fresh, but I am not sure if I need to slightly melt the ends, or if there is an amazing trick I don't know of! Thanks for help!
Cindy from Fishers, IN
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Crazy Glue on Formica
How do I remeove crazy glue from a formica counter top?
Kathleen from Turnersville, NJ
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Can't Get Rid of Lice
My sister and niece have lice. My sister has taken her daughter to the Doctor. He told them to get Rid. They couldn't find it at the drugstore but they did find Nix. They used it and did everything they were told and It didn't work.
My sister called the Doctor back and was told to saturate both of their heads with mayonaise and leave it on for 8 hrs. They did that and for almost a week they thought they were gone. They hadn't seen any until today. The Doctor prescribed something called Ovine.
With the insurance they have the meds were still going to cost $123.00 and that was just for my nieces head. They don't have much money right now and $123.00 to her may as well be a million. Please, if anyone knows anything that will work I would love the feedback.
They were supposed to come to my house for Thanksgiving because they didn't have anything but now with the lice I can't take a chance of anyone else getting them. My niece is 2. Thank you so much!
Beverly from Louisville, KY
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Lost Radio Code for a Rover 45
I have recently had a new battery on my Rover 45. Unfortunately the radio does not now work and I do not have the code. What do I do?
Thanks
NK from Lincolnshire
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Parakeet Behavior
I have a parakeet and when I take her out of her cage I watch her and she starts to move her beak like she is speaking but no sound comes out. What is she doing? I have two other cockatiels and they do the same thing. What does it mean, what are they doing?
Jitterbug from Oneonta, AL
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Uses for Nylons
What uses are there for nylon stockings with holes and runs in them?
Thank you,
Julia from Seattle, WA
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My Cats Are Always Hungry
I have 4 indoor cats; 2 male and 2 female. The 2 female and the 1 male are fixed. The other male is 3 months old. I feed the cats twice a day, in the morning and evening. My problem is they want to eat constantly. If I go out in the kitchen they are there wanting to be fed. If my hubby comes in from work, they are there wanting to be fed. The male that is fixed will eat so much he will throwup. Does anyone have a clue what is going on with these cats. The male will also get into the trash and turn it over hunting for food. Help please, they are driving me crazy.
Pam from Lincoln, DE
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Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year
Q: I have a Hibiscus which was given to me as a gift and bloomed beautifully all summer. Now the blooms are gone and it does well while it is outside but if I bring it in the house, all the leaves fall off and it looks awful. Is there anyway to save it so I can enjoy the blooms next summer? I know it only blooms in warm weather and shouldn't be left outside in the winter.
Debbie Warfield
A: Debbie,
To bring a hibiscus in for the winter, while causing it the least amount of stress, you need to try and acclimate it to its new conditions for a few weeks before moving it permanently for the season.
You can do this by letting it spend 2-3 hours each day in the location you plan to keep it over winter. Gradually increase the amount of time it spends inside over a few weeks until you're keeping it inside longer than outside.
Tropical hibiscuses don't go dormant in winter. This means they will do better over-winter if they receive more light, moist soil and normal feedings (although give them only 1/2 strength food if you're keeping them in darker rooms).
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Squirrels Digging in My Plants
Q: How can I keep squirrels from digging in my outdoor potted plants?
Georgia from N.O., LA
A: Georgia,
Commercial repellants (sprays, etc.) are usually only marginally effective for controlling squirrels. Your best line of defense is to physically separate them from wherever you don't want them to be. Here are some things to try:
- You might try fitting screen or wire mesh around your potted plants, or covering the dirt around plants with sticky tape or stones. Squirrels seem most attracted to digging in loose, newly turned dirt so follow up with a top layer of mulch.
- Lure them away from potted plants and bulbs by feeding them corn or sunflower seeds in a feeder located in another part of the yard. This can ultimately result in an increase in the population of squirrels in your yard, but the distraction of the constant food supply is also a good distraction.
- Try laying human, dog or cat hair around the base of your potted plants. Blood meal may also work in some cases. To be effective, these will need to be reapplied weekly and after it rains.
- Spray a foul-tasting product, like cayenne pepper spray on and around your plants as they are growing and after each rain.
- Plant bulbs that squirrels don't like to eat, like narcissus, alliums (ornamental onions) and hyacinths.
- If all else fails you can live-trap them and relocate them. You'll need permission from authorities to do this, however, and it will not reduce the density of squirrels in your area over time. As old squirrels are transported out, new squirrels simply move into the newly emptied habitat.
Since the squirrel population is likely to outlive your potted plants, your best bet is to deploy a number of these methods, alone or in combination with one another until you find something that works. Plan on having a few victories and probably a few defeats.
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Cold Weather Flowers and Plants
Q: What plants and flowers do you recommend for planting in the cold weather?
Hope R from Oklahoma
A: Hope,
As long as the ground isn't frozen, there are a number of plants and flowers suitable for cold weather planting in your zone.
Examples of Annuals: Ornamental Cabbage and Kale, Snapdragons, Dust Miller, Larkspur, Asters, Calendulas, Dianthus.
Examples of Perennials: These include Shirley Poppies, Winter Pansy, Ivy, Rudbeckia, Primrose, Chrysanthemums and Forget-Me-Not.
Don't forget the garden vegetables and herbs. Ornamental Peppers make a beautiful addition to the fall garden (and kitchen). Also try onions, leeks and garlic. Some herbs will also do fine in a milder winter if planted in a protected area. Examples include Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.
Now is also the best time to plant trees and ornamental shrubs.
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