December 28, 2004

Daily Thrifty Tips December 28, 2004


Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Three, Number 224, December 28, 2004
http://www.ThriftyFun.com

Hello,

We have a bundle of new requests today. The site has been really busy over the last 24 hours. I guess people are settling in after the holiday.

We have a nifty craft article by Stella Rivet about making Linoleum Printing Blocks and Foam Insulation Stamps. Complete with photos:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf614990.tip.html

We will resume publishing the ThriftyFun News this weekend. If there is a topic that you would like to see addressed, feel free to recommend it on our contact form:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/contact.ldml

Thanks for reading,

Susan

Enter The Tip Contest:
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Frugal solutions to everyday problems: Submit a request...
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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Tips:

  • Using Expired Coupons
  • Grilling Bacon In A George Foreman Grill
  • White Skirt Bleached And Now Has Yellow Spots
  • Faux Fingernail Quick Fix
  • Drying Rack For Sweaters
  • Keep A Laundry Stain Stick Near Where You Eat
  • Make a Quick to Fix Recipes List
  • Hankies As a Gift
  • Creamy Fruit Salad
  • Frozen Cherry & Pecan Salad
  • Frog Eye Salad
  • Siesta Salad
  • Yum-Yum Salad
  • Fresh Broccoli & Chicken Salad
  • The Benefits of Olive Oil
  • Freshening Clothes
  • Fun Times Together Photo Collages
  • Yahoogroup Lists For Buying and Selling
  • Use Caution With Online Marketing Research Groups
  • Laundry Tip - Check All The Pockets
  • Label Laundry: Hot, Warm or Cold?
  • Tips for Storing Christmas Ornaments and Other Decorations
  • Kitchen Sponges
  • Remembering Something Before You Leave
  • Quick Spanish Rice
  • Used Dryer Sheet Anti-Static Spray and Ironing Aid
  • Keeping Trash From Smelling
  • Leftover Ham and Pierogies

New Requests:

  • Family Oriented New Year's Eve Party Ideas
  • Removing Glue Residue From New Stainless Steel Pot
  • Black Snakes in Trees?
  • White Skirt Bleached And Now Has Yellow Spots
  • Ideas for Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower Party
  • Removing Miniwax Wood Finish From Clothing
  • Taking Apart Glued Furniture Joins
  • Making Flavored Oils
  • Sharpie Marks on Walls
  • Black Scuff Marks on Doors and Walls
  • Craft Ideas For Someone That Lives In A Nursing Home
  • Lip Balm Stains On Clothes
  • Decorating 14 Yr. Old Boy's Bedroom
  • Thrifty Warm Apple Cider Recipe

More Reading:

  • Encourage Reading by Creating a Cozy Reading Space
  • Roast Prime Rib
  • Making Linoleum Block Prints

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Today's Sponsor


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Today's Tips


Using Expired Coupons

Many grocery stores accept expired coupons. I know in the Chicago area Jewel grocery stores accept them.

By Jen B

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Grilling Bacon In A George Foreman Grill

When grilling bacon, use a square metal cake pan under the lip of the grill, instead of the small drip pans that come with the grill.

Bacon is very greasy.

By Syd

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White Skirt Bleached And Now Has Yellow Spots

I have a skirt that is 100% cotton and I got mud on it, so I bleached it and now the bleached spots turned yellow. Is there anything I can do to fix these spots?

Ashlee

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Faux Fingernail Quick Fix

Want to be fancy and use artificial nails for a special occasion?

Carry a bottle of nail polish and an emory cloth with you. If you lose a nail, you can use the emory cloth on the glue on the nail, then polish. At least it won't stand out like a "sore thumb!"

This will make you feel a little more secure in case you lose a nail!

By Syd

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Drying Rack For Sweaters

Some sweater directions say "gentle cycle but dry sweaters on flat surface".

Create your own flat sweater drying rack with an adjustable (old fashioned) window screen and open it to extend. Then lay it on the top of an accordion fold-up drying rack and spread your sweater on it. Air circulates all around it!

By Syd

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Keep A Laundry Stain Stick Near Where You Eat

Keep a stain stick in the kitchen or near your eating area, so when someone spills food on their clothes, they can immediately rub stain stick on the spots. Good intentions don't seem to go hand in hand once you leave the table! Cuts down on stained clothes.

Keep the stain stick where you need it the most, where you eat!

By Syd

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Make a Quick to Fix Recipes List

A recipe list of quick to fix meals with the ingredients stocked in the cupboard make it easier to avoid buying mixes and visiting fast food drive-thrus.

By Lynn

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Hankies As a Gift

A few years ago a close relative of mine passed away and I inherited her lovely collection of hankies (all brand new). Many are crocheted or have lace on them as well as embroidery. You don't see young people using cloth hankies much. What I decided to do with them is when I visit some one who is elderly and they are either in the hospital, nursing home or ill at home, I put a hankie in a card and present them with this. They really appreciate it.

By joesgirl

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Creamy Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 can drained mandarin oranges
  • 1 can drained crushed pineapple
  • 2 bananas (sliced)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 12 maraschino cherries
  • 1 carton Cool whip

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.

By Robin

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Frozen Cherry & Pecan Salad

  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp. salt

Combine thoroughly then add:

  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 banana (diced)

Mix all together and chill.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


Frog Eye Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 3/4 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice
  • 3 quarts water
  • 1 tsp. cooking oil
  • 1 pkg. Acini de Pepe
  • 1 can mandarin oranges (drained)
  • 2 cans pineapple chunks (drained)
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 carton non-dairy whipped topping
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows

Directions:

Combine sugar, flour and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Gradually stir in pineapple juice and eggs. Cook over moderate heat, stirring until thickened. Add lemon juice. Cool to room temperature. Bring water, 2 teaspoons salt and oil to a boil. Add Acini de Pepe. Mix lightly, but thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight in tight container. Add remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Refrigerate in airtight container. Will keep a week and can be frozen; however texture may be altered.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


Siesta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups macaroni (cooked & drained)
  • 2 cups celery (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 4 hard cooked eggs (sliced)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup ketchup

Directions:

Combine macaroni, celery, onion, egg slices, cheese and salt; toss lightly. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream and ketchup; mix well. Add dressing to macaroni mix. Mix carefully. Garnish with crisp salad greens.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


Yum-Yum Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 can pineapple
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 cup shredded Velveeta Cheese
  • 1 cup shipping cream (whipped)
  • 1 tsp. finely chopped onion
  • 1 green bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 3 stalks celery (finely diced)
  • Mayonnaise

Directions:

Heat pineapple and sugar to a boil. Soften gelatin in cold water. Add to pineapple mixture. Cool until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally. Add cheese. Fold in whipped cream. Pour into 6 cup mold or layer pan. Chill overnight. Spread mixture of onion, green pepper, celery and salad dressing over top. I prefer to use layer pan. When salad is set, I layer mayonnaise, then diced onion, pepper, celery, a few finely chopped celery leaves and shredded cheddar cheese. Delicious!

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


Fresh Broccoli & Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh chopped broccoli
  • 2/3 cup sliced pimento olives
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2/3 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 8 hard cooked eggs
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese (cut into strips)
  • 12 oz. chopped cooked chicken.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

Combine first 6 ingredients and chicken in a bowl. Blend mayonnaise with lemon juice, sugar and seasonings in a small bowl. Add to chicken mixture. Toss until well mixed. Chill overnight. Serve on lettuce-lined dish. Garnish with strips of cheese.

By Robin

View Article: Click Here


The Benefits of Olive Oil

Here is a great way to have your fried foods and eat them too, instead of using vegetable or some other kind of oil use olive oil. It's all natural and you can season the meat the same way in which you normally would when using vegetable oil, but once your favorite fried food is ready, it won't be greasy and it tastes delightful. Your fat content is lowered and so is your cholesterol. Yes it's true that olive oil costs a little more, but trust me your heart will thank you.

By Venise

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Freshening Clothes

Here is a great tip to freshen your laundry. When the rinse cycle start add one cup of white distilled vinegar to the rinse water and when your laundry is finished, your clothes will be springtime fresh. This is a good way to freshen clothes that have been packed away all winter long.

By Venise

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Fun Times Together Photo Collages

When finances were low, I would make collage of photos by plastering photos of my loved ones on a sheet of cardboard in a pretty array, making sure there were no open spaces. Most of the pictures were of us doing fun things together. Later, I would put it in a poster frame. These were favorites among my family members and we still have them today.

By Denise DiFalco

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Yahoogroup Lists For Buying and Selling

Unlike ebay there is no charge to list items for sale daily if you are a member of a Yahoo group thats sells/buys/ or trades items. Join yahoo groups today! List freely!

By Denise DiFalco

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Use Caution With Online Marketing Research Groups

If you belong to online Marketing Research groups and fill out the forms, be careful! The two I belong to are legitimate Online Research companies. They will ask for buying habits and sometimes ask for opinions of new products that may come on the market, send samples to try and give feedback, etc.

I've had no problems in the past, but the following comments made me suspicious!

I answered some computer questions and later got a call from a representative from the company, this is not unusual, but they asked me if I would like to further participate; they would send me a 3-1/2 floppy disk to insert into my computer, let it run, then return it to them and for my trouble they would send me a check for $20.00.

I put the floppy into the A drive and it started running ... when finished, I clicked on the Windows +E to read it. Wow, to me it looked like it copied the guts of my computer! Needless to say, I did not return the floppy!

By Syd

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Laundry Tip - Check All The Pockets

Make it a habit to check all pockets before putting clothes in the washer, one tissue can make a mess of the laundry with all that lint!

By Syd

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Label Laundry: Hot, Warm or Cold?

Some of the tags may be hard to read (without glasses on). Take a permanent ink Sharpie and write the Temperature in bold letters on the tags.

By Syd

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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.

Packing Christmas Ornaments

When 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

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Kitchen Sponges

Sanitize sponges by putting them in the microwave for one minute OR soak in a mild bleach water.

By Syd

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Remembering Something Before You Leave

My sister taught me this trick to help you remember something you have to do before you leave the house.

Just put a post it note or magnet on the door you use to leave and it will remind you that you have to do something. Its great when we are filling up the pool or need to turn on the slow cooker.

By Scaryone

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Quick Spanish Rice

I have a recipe I came up with myself. I love spanish rice but can't ever seem to make it like restaurants do. So here's what I do.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of minute rice
  • 1 jar of salsa
  • 1 can of chicken broth
  • 1 8oz can of tomato sauce
  • chopped onion, (how ever much you prefer)

Directions:

In a two cup measuring jar pour in 1 cup of salsa, then 1 cup of chicken broth.

Saute your chopped onion in butter on med high heat until it's slightly soft.

Add the salsa / chicken broth mixture, tomato sauce, and bring to a boil. Add rice, cover, remove from heat and let sit for 20-30 minutes or until the rice is nice and fluffy. Makes about 4 servings of rice.

By Joelygirl

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Used Dryer Sheet Anti-Static Spray and Ironing Aid

I save my used dryer sheets and use them for various things. The other day I came up with a new idea - I placed about 3 of them in an empty 'Febreeze' spray bottle and filled it up with fresh water. I use it to spray my son and daughter's hair in the morning and as an ironing spray for those extra stubborn wrinkles in my husband's cotton shirts. Every now and then I replace the sheets and put fresh water in. It also helps cut down on static in my daughter's hair.

By Hilary

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Keeping Trash From Smelling

Tips for keeping trash from smelling in the kitchen. Post your ideas.

Trash Can Tip

To keep trash from smelling: Rinse the plastic wrap on meat wrappers, absorbing material, and the container before throwing it in the trash. Rinsing smelly cans, like tuna & sardines also. It sure cuts down on having to empty the trash can when the plastic bag is not full!

By Syd

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Leftover Ham and Pierogies

I thought I would share this really easy and tasty recipe using leftover ham.

Ingredients:

  • 1 box of store bought pierogies
  • A small onion
  • Butter
  • Left over Ham

Thaw the pierogies in water. Brown the onion and ham in a pan in the butter. Add the pierogies cook a few minutes to brown all together.

Enjoy!

By Danielle from PA

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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! $30.00 Gift Card
In our newest contest we are giving away a $30.00 Gift Card 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! We figured it would be more valuable if you pick out your own prize, that's why we have decided to go the gift card route. This contest will end on December 31st.

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

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New Requests:


Family Oriented New Year's Eve Party Ideas

I'd like some ideas for a family-oriented New Year's Eve party (decorating ideas, favors, recipes, etc.).

Thanks!

Nancy

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Removing Glue Residue From New Stainless Steel Pot

I have a stainless steel stock pot i recently bought and have run through the dishwasher several times to get the glue residue off where the label was. I cannot get the sticky glue mess off. Can anyone help me?

Kate

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Black Snakes in Trees?

My husband was trimming trees the other day and found a 1 foot long black snake laying on a branch in the tree. I wasn't aware that snakes hung out IN trees. We are 30 minutes NE of San Antonio, Texas and I know we have coral and copperheads around here. I know there is also cottonmouths in the county but I thought they were only near water. We are in straight sand and hickory and oak trees, not much water but lots of leaves. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas of what kind of snake it could be. And how do i keep snakes out of my trees?

Thanks for any advice,

Adrienne

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White Skirt Bleached And Now Has Yellow Spots

I have a skirt that is 100% cotton and I got mud on it, so I bleached it and now the bleached spots turned yellow. Is there anything I can do to fix these spots?

Ashlee

Post Feedback: Click Here


Ideas for Breakfast at Tiffany's Bridal Shower Party

I would like some ideas for a Breakfast at Tiffany's themed bridal shower. Thank you!

Jenn from Orlando

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Removing Miniwax Wood Finish From Clothing

How or what could i use to get Minwax wood finish out of clothing?

Linda

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Taking Apart Glued Furniture Joins

What can I use to de-glue (remove glue) from furniture joints? I would like to restore some dining room cloth fabric covered chairs, including the wood and recovering them.

poppop1968

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Making Flavored Oils

I need help in making flavored oils. - Lu

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Sharpie Marks on Walls

My daughter decided she needed to display her artwork on all four walls of her bedroom, in her closet, and on both doors. It is not even just a pen, it is a permenant black sharpie marker. I have tried everything to remove it including the Mr. Clean Magic, they remove the marks, but leave discolored streaks, even if i rinse often.. They also remove the paint on the walls. I am in an apt. and the walls have flat paint on them, not so easy to clean. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Crystal from Alabama

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Black Scuff Marks on Doors and Walls

Some of the doors and walls in my home have black scuff marks on them. I have tried everything I can think of to get it off. Please help.

Susan from Arizona

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Craft Ideas For Someone That Lives In A Nursing Home

There is a elderly lady we know who just moved from her cozy house here on the lake, to a nursing home. I love to do crafts and she loves getting gifts from me. Her place is small and she really misses her old house because she has lived there for over 30 years. Can anyone give me some ideas on what to make her?

Thanks,

Kristi

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Lip Balm Stains On Clothes

Someone accidently left lip balm in a pocket and it went through the washer and dryer. I now have oil stains on my clothes and can't seem to get them out. Any suggestions?

Sarahw

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Decorating 14 Yr. Old Boy's Bedroom

I have a 14 yr.old Boy, I am a single mom. My sons' room is in need of some serious help.

I hate the size. It is so small but, I have to deal with it for now. He is in need of some reorganizing that is simple enough for him. I think maybe there is too much in his room that is why it seems smaller.

He and I both want to redecorate and organize, painting is not an option but, he does like color . His favorite colors are red, navy blue, light blue, white and sunny yellow and gold yellow. He is athletic, loves cars, sport, music and art. How can I help him to make a choice on a style without his room looking out of order in style and color as well as space. Space is a big problem, we need organizing tool especially for his closet. The closet is long but narrow and he can only use half of it, the other half is used for storing our summer clothing, shoes and linens.

Please Help!!!
Lyssa

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Thrifty Warm Apple Cider Recipe

Hello all!
I am looking for a thrifty recipe for warm apple cider for a New Year's Eve party. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Donna in Kansas

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Looking for a frugal solution to an everyday problem? Submit your request here: Click Here


Today's Sponsor


MyBudgetPlanner Manage your money simply and quickly. Inexpensive budget planning software.

http://www.mybudgetplanner.com/partner/thf/mbpmain.htm


More Reading:


Encourage Reading by Creating a Cozy Reading Space
By Pamela Cole Harris

The best thing you can do to help your child succeed in school is to encourage reading - no matter how young your child is! Research has shown that reading to your child not only forms a stronger bond between you, but also increases his/her cognitive, motor and social skills. And designating a space in your home as a cozy reading corner can make the experience comfortable and cozy for both of you.

View Article: Click Here


Roast Prime Rib
By Charlie Burke

A favorite for festive meals during the holiday season, rib roast can be prepared successfully if a few simple steps are carefully followed. "Prime rib" is usually a misnomer because most available rib roasts are USDA Choice, which is not a problem because the marbling in choice meats is adequate to result in juicy roasts. Ask the butcher to trim the fat and meat from the ribs, and request the loin end of the roast. Plan one rib for every two guests, adding an extra if you want to ensure that you won't run short. Leftovers make great hash.

View Article: Click Here


Making Linoleum Block Prints
By Stella Rivet

How to Create a Linoleum Block

Linoleum blocks can be used to print cards, make your own wrapping paper or simply for art.

Supplies:

  • Linoleum block of your chosen size (should be able to obtain these at you local craft store)
  • Linoleum cutting tools
  • Paper to print on
  • Linoleum Block Paint
  • Roller
  • Plate for paint
  • Tracing paper
  • Pencil

View Article: Click Here


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