Daily Thrifty Tips - September 18, 2006

Free Printable Coupons

Print brand name coupons and use them at your favorite store! Sign up to take advantage of over 80 money-saving offers inside.

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/lk/print_coupons.lasso

Remember that baby books are not complete without a "pre-labor" picture of the expecting mother! Black and whites are always nostalgic.

By Tangi George from Winston, GA

Post Feedback: Click Here

A little hummingbird guarding my back porch swing. : )

By Pat from Sweetwater, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

Jasper is four months old and is a Blue Heeler. Jasper likes to spend time 'fussing' with Dakota "other heeler" or playing in their 'kiddy pool'.

By Chris O'Connell from Foreston, MN

Post Feedback: Click Here

• Tip Contest
  Submit a Tip or Recipe!

• Photo Contest
  Submit a tip with photo!

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!

My Frugal Life
Submit a My Frugal Life Essay! New Contest Started!
• Frugal Travel Guides
  Submit a Frugal Travel Guide

If you like Okra, but don't like the stringy consistency when cooked, just slice and saute in a little oil until lightly brown. This will seal it, and then you can add other ingredients and it will not be "slippery". I add onions and green peppers with my okra as I saute it, and, sometimes, add tomatoes and heat through before serving.

Funny footnote: We have not always been from the south, and were introduced to Okra when we moved here. A coworker of my husband's told him about Fried Okra and how to fix it. We got the okra and he sliced it as instructed. . .then decided that he should have washed it. So he proceeded to do just that. If you know anything about Okra, you will certainly see the humor in this story.

By Harlean from Hot Springs, Arkansas

Post Feedback: Click Here

We are planning our 25th anniversary party for the end of October. It will be for about 80 people, and will cost about $100. Our church will allow us to use the basement for the celebration. I plan to have quilt squares cut out for our guests to sign, and later I will make them into a quilt.

Our decorating theme is Fiesta. A friend lent me her serape to hang up. The dollar store had some cute Mexican-style piggy banks in sunny colors; they also had honeycomb paper pineapples and toucans. I bought some streamers in complimentary colors to make flowers from. I will also make some miniature (ornamental only) burro pinatas to add to the table centerpieces.

For food, I am taking advantage of our apple tree to make and freeze apple pies ahead of time. Since we raise our own beef, there will be beef tamales. I will also make a shrimp and tomato salad, hot rolls and butter, and whatever else sounds good. Fruit punch from our apple trees and some frozen juice concentrate will be the drink. We will feed about 40 at the meal, and then invite everyone else to the reception, since I don't think our budget will feed all 80. I am printing the invitations on some neat pre-printed paper I found at the dollar store. They can be folded, addressed and mailed without an envelope. Still need some games, though.

By Coreen from Rupert, ID

Post Feedback: Click Here

My kids eat a lot of dairy, but it does happen that we find that a bag of milk, cottage cheese, or yogurt will be sitting in our fridge past its expiration date. I have a few recipes ( e.g. pancakes, tuna casserole) that call for buttermilk or another type of fermented milk product. So instead of throwing out these sour products, I put them in the freezer to be defrosted when I have time to prepare the recipes. The end results taste delicious, and no one, except my pocket book, is the wiser.

By Brigitte from Israel

Post Feedback: Click Here

I got permanent marker on my kitchen table and I used Deep Woods Off and it worked like magic! I recommend it.

By Danielle from Mooers Forks, NY

Editor's Note: We've had a lot mentioning in the feedback about using Off for removing marker and others say it works very well.

Post Feedback: Click Here

This tip is for anyone who receives free formula checks. If your child is on one specific brand of formula, sign up for the Nestle, Similac and Enfamil free check offers. When the checks arrive, use them all.

Say your child is only on Similac, take the cans of the other formula back to the store without a receipt and just say your child did not like the brand and you want a store credit for get the correct brand you use. Since the store was already paid for the original checks, you're not cheating anyone. Formula is returnable as long as it not opened.

For all the people looking to swap checks, this is what you do to avoid the hassle of needing to swap the checks. Use them get the formula and return the different brand to the store from which you bought them. Don't go to the same store twice. Babies R Us or Target are the best choices. Remember, the company also guarantees your satisfaction.

Hope this sounded ok, I have a 2 week old and am still sleep deprived.

By Amber from Phoenix

Post Feedback: Click Here

When washing dishes and you have too many suds in the sink after draining wash water, instead of using so much water to wash them down the drain, sprinkle salt on the suds and they just disappear. It really works, hope you try it.

By Sherry from Dixie, West Virginia

Post Feedback: Click Here

Rubbing laundry softener sheets on your cat or dog will help them to shed easier, give them a nice clean scent and pick up any loose hair that they may have left on your clothes, furniture, floors etc.

By Paula Jo Carr from Mebane, NC

Editor's Note: I'd worry about doing this with cats (and dogs that clean themselves) because they clean themselves and it may be toxic over time. Does anyone have any information about this? It does work well for picking up loose hair on clothing, furniture, etc.

Post Feedback: Click Here

Need a quick and inexpensive breakfast? I always make extra baked potatoes and keep them in the fridge. At breakfast, I cut one up, put it in a pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. I add anything I have on hand in the fridge, such as extra onion or bell pepper, broccoli, squash, corn, ham. . .anything will work. While it's cooking, I whip 2 eggs in a cup and add into the pan. Egg substitute works well with this recipe also. Once it's scrambled, I add a little cheddar or small amount of Velveeta cheese. I usually toast wheat bread and add the mixture onto it, wrap it up and my husband has a to-go breakfast ready when he is out of the shower. From start to finish, it takes less than 10 minutes and is much better than take out!

By ragteller from Tofield, Alberta, Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

Supplies:

• Sheets of High density foam (like what a pool noodle is made of but two different thicknesses)
• Left over plywood or particle board
• Outdoor clear silcone glue

Directions:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases should be made out of thicker foam. Cut 3 - 16 by 16 inch squares out of the plywood.

Next add the foam cut 16 1/2 by 16 1/2 inches.

Now glue the foam to the plywood bases leaving a little over lap on all sides. We used outdoor silcone glue for this.

Cut a rectangle for the pitcher's mound but use thinner foam as you don't want this to stick up off the ground to much, the same goes for homebase. These are pretty sturdy and light weight so they can be carried to the nearest park or playground. Hope this recycling tip is something you will enjoy.

By Debra from Colorado

Post Feedback: Click Here

I was doing some cooking yesterday, and had (what I thought) was a good idea! I had shredded some zucchini into some muffin mix, but still had some left over. I also had some extra sweet potato left after I made sweet potato fries, and the stalks from some broccoli that I had already cut off the florets. I hated to just throw the extra vegetables away, what a waste! So, I peeled the broccoli stalks, diced them and the other vegetables up, and decided to make vegetable soup. I just added some other vegetables I had in the freezer. I figured that it was a nutritious way to "recycle" the broccoli stalks and leftover bits of vegetables; and there was no waste!

By Lisa from WI from Kenosha, WI

Post Feedback: Click Here

I saw this tip on Emeril. If you are cutting corn off the cob, place a clean dish towel on the counter under the cob, then cut down the cob. The corn doesn't scatter all over because it lands softly on the towel. Then you can just lift the towel and empty it into a bowl.

By Lynn from Conway, Arkansas

This tip is for removing corn from the cob. I usually buy 6-7 dozen corn and removing the kernels was quite a job every year. I was rummaging around a garage sale and saw the perfect tool for the job. I didn't know what it was but I knew it would work perfectly for removing corn. I asked the lady what it was supposed to be used for and it was a pineapple corer.

I just hold the corn with one hand and the cob with the other, put the end of the cob in the center ring and twist back and forth and the corn comes off so easy. I did find it hard to do the whole cob and end up doing 3/4 of the cob, pull it out, turn it over and do the other end. Be careful the ring is sharp. When canning season is over, I pack it away with my canning stuff so no clutter in your drawer.

By Pico from St. Paul, Alberta, Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

Dear Webby's Humor Letter

Webby publishes our tips daily! A very funny newsletter.

More Information:
http://webby.com/humor

Does anyone know what this plant is? I planted a package of seeds of mixed peppers. This grew. It is a beautiful plant but has not produced any peppers?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Christine from Sanremo, Italy

Post Feedback: Click Here

At a fast food place called Texas Tom's, they have breaded cauliflower. I think it is deep fried and it is delicious. It is kind of like the breading for onion rings only with a cheesy taste. If anyone knows what I'm talking about and has an idea of how to recreate them, I would appreciate it!

Thanks!
ldsgenemom from Kansas City, MO

Post Feedback: Click Here

My son spilt milk in our car last week and the smell is terrible - the car has a leather interior - would the diluted vinegar solution work on the problem?

JH from UK

Post Feedback: Click Here

We have are an elementary school participating in a High School Homecoming Parade. Our team is the Mustangs. We would like to try to coordinate our Elementary school with the theme. Any Ideas?

Christy from El Paso Texas

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone know the name of the song and artist that was playing at the end of the "Bones" episode "The Boy in the Shroud"? It aired Wednesday September 13 and all I have is the line: "I've pushed you down deep in my soul for too long." It is a beautiful song and would love to know who it is.

Thanks;)
Melanie from Canada

Post Feedback: Click Here

How can I fix cracked leather?

Chance from Wappinger Falls

Post Feedback: Click Here

How old should a puppy be to start training?

Mary from Oroville, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I just purchased a cockapoo pup and I am going to crate train her. Can you recommend a crate? She is flying in so she will be in crate is that okay?

ccdsmommie from Sacramento

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do I get dry erase marker off of a chalk board?

biscuit from gilbert, AZ

Post Feedback: Click Here

This is my first apple tree. This is the first fruit that it is growing. I don't know if it is one apple or many together? Any ideas?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Christine from Sanremo, Italy

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you clean red dirt out of baseball pants?

Baseballmom from Houston

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do I remove the smell of cigarette smoke from stuffed animals without using too many chemicals?

Gaylebear from Flemington, NJ

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have a crepe myrtle. I am moving and wanted to get a start of the tree. I am wondering when is a good time to take a cutting?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Thanks,
Rita from Dallas, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for ideas for a party for a person 45 years old.

Marcie from Cinti. OH

Post Feedback: Click Here

I'm currently making my first batch of homemade vanilla extract using 1 3/4 c white rum (is that bad to use white instead of dark?), 1/4 c distilled water and 6 sliced bourbon vanilla beans to sit for 8 weeks, shaken once a day. I hope it works out, but now I'm wondering about making my own almond extract. I know I have to make it with an alcohol base and edible almond oil, but I don't know exactly how or where to get edible almond oil (I read that bitter almond oil has a better, stronger flavor for cooking). Any help there?

Char from Idaho

Post Feedback: Click Here

Product: Candock Modular Floating System

Model: Modular Floating System

Manufacturer: Candock

Request: Is this product really better for boat docks than wooden docks with lifts? Any negative experiences?

Bob from Gainesville, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Will light pink walls match cherry wood furniture?

Jess from Florida

Post Feedback: Click Here

How do you get nail polish out of car upholstery?

Shelley from Plano, TX

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone know how to paint a ceiling fan. Mine is a bright brass with blades that really shine. I hate it and would like to settle it down a bit. Any ideas on what paint or perhaps a kit you know about for painting the entire fan. Thanks a lot!

Mitzi from DeLand, FL

Post Feedback: Click Here

Do you have high speed or dial up internet service?

WM Stephens from Garden City, Kansas

Post Feedback: Click Here

When is the best time to trim a sweet cherry tree?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Jim

Post Feedback: Click Here

I have been researching in the web and find that standard chlorine bleach is a 6% solution of sodium hydrochlorite. How do you mix a 6% solution?

Scotty From Lecanto Florida

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am planning a wedding and want to accent everything with Nylon Butterflies. How do you make them?

Sara from Antekope, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am looking for a recipe similar to the famous Harry and David's red pepper and onion relish if anyone has one I would love to have it.

Glenda from Kenora, Ontario

Post Feedback: Click Here

The West Central Trojans are playing the Frontier Falcons for the homecoming game, our school colors are red and black and the theme is supposed to be "fracture the falcons". I don't have any ideas for the float. Can you help me?

Jane from Medaryville, IN

Post Feedback: Click Here

I'm looking for instructions for a bootie bag made from old jeans. I would appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Ellen from Maricopa, CA

Post Feedback: Click Here

Does anyone else grow these beautiful black violets?

Hardiness Zone: 7b

Christine from Sanremo, Italy

Post Feedback: Click Here

I am throwing my son a train party for his 3rd birthday. Does anyone know of a place where I could find some free or very cheap items for his birthday party since we are on a very very tight budget? Thanks!

KP from AL

Post Feedback: Click Here

I'm a member of our local Rescue Squad and I am looking for some ideas for fundraising for a non-profit organization. We have about 20 members and we are in great need of a "new" truck and tools. Is there anything out there that doesn't involve door-to-door selling? Also, we have a BBQ Festival coming up in our town and we set up a table under a small tent. What is something we could do on somewhat short notice to make some money while we're there? We only have about 2 weeks to prepare. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Renee from West TN

Post Feedback: Click Here

What can I do about a stinky dog? He smells like toe cheese. Help!

Darolyn

Post Feedback: Click Here

Free Photo Organizer From Google

"Picasa is software that helps you instantly find, edit and share all the pictures on your PC. Every time you open Picasa, it automatically locates all your pictures (even ones you forgot you had) and sorts them into visual albums organized by date with folder names you will recognize. You can drag and drop to arrange your albums and make labels to create new groups. Picasa makes sure your pictures are always organized."

More Information:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61219677.tip.html

Home improvement projects can break a budget. However, thanks to many on-line services, the average homeowner can tackle many of these projects alone. A cornucopia of knowledge can be found at Lowe's on-line site. Whether you shop at Lowe's or the neighborhood hardware store, utilize the corporate chain's information to do it yourself and save money. Scroll through the Project Center at www.Lowes.com for help.

Read More: Click Here

Make up a few batches of these when you can, then on extra busy days you can quickly prepare a main course.

Read More: Click Here

Coupon Swap!
Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users.

Seed Swap!
Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe