Daily Thrifty Tips
Volume Four, Number 71, March 15, 2005
http://www.ThriftyFun.com
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Our latest tip contest ends tonight at midnight. The photo contest will end at the end of the month.
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Today's newsletter contains:
Today's Photo Contest Entries:
- Family Reunion Game - Guess-for-the-Goodies
- Sparky, A Long Long Dog (Retired Greyhound)
Today's Tips:
- Removing Drink Rings From Furniture
- Clearer Ice Cubes
- Carrot Curls
- Advantages Of Credit Unions
- Filter for Coconut Milk
- Elastic for Sewing
- No Sew Pillow Instructions
- Caring For Depression Era Glassware
- Dishwasher Soap For Hand Washing
- Easier to Clean Crock Pots
- Reusing Light Bulb Packges
- Discarding Kitty Litter
- A Touch Of Mustard on Sandwiches
- Easy Lemon Squeezing
- Old T-Shirts As Garment Covers
- Review Insurance Coverage
- Giving Dogs Pills
- Easy Drop Biscuits
- Lemonade Concentrate
- Removing Salt from Boots
- Scalloped Cornbread
- Chewy Dunkin' Snacks
- Sugar 'N Spice Angel Food Cake
New Requests:
- Keeping Sugar From Becoming Hard
- Stains On Leather Jacket Collar
- Pet Health Insurance
- Perfumes and Colognes
- Looking for Crocheted Dress
- Looking for Wood Burning Stove
- Problems Staying Logged In On ThriftyFun
- Mold on Window Frames
- Large Area Weed Control In Arizona
- Ideas for an Easter Scavanger Hunt
- Skunk Under Inground Pool
- Brown for MultiGrain Bread
- Hole in Sofa Slipcover
- Soot on Painted Wall
- Surprise 25th Birthday Ideas
More Reading:
- Easter Bunny Poem
- The "Credit Card Debt Termination" Scam
- A St. Pat's Day Feast!
- The "Secret" Fourth Credit Bureau
- Understanding Freebies
- Canine Bloat
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Today's Photo Contest Entries
Family Reunion Game - Guess-for-the-Goodies
Great fun for a family reunion. It is called "Guess-for-the-Goodies" Everyone can bring something to guess, i.e. jar of candie, box of change, bag of beans, guess the length of string, etc. Anything someone can come up with. Guess sheets are by the item which lists who, what and what you win. People line up and start the guessing. It is always the highlight of the reunion!
By Mary Beth, Saginaw MI
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Sparky, A Long Long Dog (Retired Greyhound)
Sparky, our 12-year old greyhound, is a retired racer. He has gorgeous doe eyes and "helicopter" ears that point in different directions when he's especially happy. Now he loves running loops around our backyard, but is equally happy taking a nap in a sunny spot in our dining room.
By Kathleen
View Photo and Post Feedback: Click Here
Submit a tip with a photo or a pet description with a photo and you could win a prize. You can enter the photo contest here:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/photo_contest.ldml
Today's Tips
Removing Drink Rings From Furniture
Tips for removing beverage rings from furniture. Post your ideas.
To remove heat rings from furniture, make a paste of salt and olive oil. Apply to the ring and allow to stand for at least an hour.
By Sarah Muise
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Clearer Ice Cubes
Boiled water freezes clear to make nicer ice cubes or ice moulds for punch.
By Sarah Muise
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Carrot Curls
To make carrot curls, cut thin strips of medium sized carrots with a vegetable peeler. Roll each strip and fasten with a tooth pick. Chill in ice water.. Remove toothpicks and serve. Makes beautiful garnish for plates and soups.
By Sarah Muise
View Article: Click Here
Advantages Of Credit Unions
Don't bank at banks. Bank at credit unions whenever possible. When you join a credit union you are a member and the free services abound.
By Linda
Do you use a credit union? Feel free to post your feedback about the advantages of credit unions.
Post Feedback: Click Here
Filter for Coconut Milk
A coffee filter is a very good filter to run fresh coconut milk through. Comes out clean, with no little pieces or dust of the shell . Just place the filter on top of a cup or bowl and pour the coconut liquid through slowly.
By Great Granny Vi
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Elastic for Sewing
ext time you need elastic for that sewing project but don't have any on hand, just grab the old panty hose or knee highs and cut the band off the top. Makes great elastic! And it's FREE!
By DebB P
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No Sew Pillow Instructions
I found this great site for no sew pillows, with reference to: No Sew Pillow and Cushion Covers, as previously discussed on thriftyfun.com.
"Knotted No Stitch Pillows by Jane Shepherd Stuart"
http://www.homemadesimple.ca/en_CA/easydecor/knotted.shtml
By Maryanne
http://romantichomesmagazine.co.nr/
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Caring For Depression Era Glassware
To prevent cracking, I never place it in a dishwasher, as the water is generally too hot. If you have hard water, a dishwasher will permanently etch your glassware, if washed in it.
I always put a spoon in the cup/dish before pouring a hot liquid/food into it, just as you would for china.
I do not use it in the microwave. The mixing bowls generally are not oven/microwave safe. I only use the pieces that actually do say oven ware in the oven/microwave.
By Maryanne - Retired Depression Glass Dealer
http://romantichomesmagazine.co.nr/
View Article: Click Here
Dishwasher Soap For Hand Washing
Although, I don't have a dishwasher, I do buy a liquid dishwasher detergent for handwashing dishes. I put a squirt (between the size of a dime & nickel) of dishwasher detergent in my hot dishwater & swish it around before adding my regular liquid dish soap. Since I got this tip from my Mom, my dishes are easier to wash & don't have to soak as long with baked on messes. I'll never go back to just using regular dish soap alone, anymore!
By Terri H.
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Easier to Clean Crock Pots
To clean a crock pot easily, wipe the interior sides and bottom with oil or spray with Pam before filling and cooking.
By Holly Gates
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Reusing Light Bulb Packges
I keep the crimped and thin cardboard from light bulb packages, boxes, etc. and use them in making handmade cards and scrapbooking.
By Stephanie Witham
If you have anymore ideas for rusing light bulb packages, feel free to post them.
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Discarding Kitty Litter
I keep my Walmart grocery bags and use them to put my kitty litter clean-ups in, tie and toss.
By tsunrisebey
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A Touch Of Mustard on Sandwiches
I like just a little bit of mustard on my sandwiches, but I found that it soaks into one spot, making an overpowering taste in a single bite. Now, I start with a thin layer of margarine or mayo, and then spread just a little mustard on top. It goes on more smoothly, and my sandwiches taste great, with just a TOUCH of mustard!
By zballoongirl
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Easy Lemon Squeezing
Heat lemons before squeezing.
By Sarah Muise
Post Feedback: Click Here
Old T-Shirts As Garment Covers
Use old T-shirts to cover your suits and coats on hangers. Just slip the T-shirt over the hanging clothes, letting the T-shirt sleeves hang free. The knit T-shirt fabric breathes, allowing air to circulate while keeping dust off your good clothing. It's better than a plastic bag, and it's free!
By zballoongirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Review Insurance Coverage
Remember to review your insurance coverages regularly. I put this off for a long time, because it confused me. But I made an appointment with our agent, and she was VERY helpful in finding ways to reduce our insurance bills.
My husband and I made some tough decisions, but we'll save some much-needed money this year. Make that appointment!
By zballoongirl
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Giving Dogs Pills
Tips for giving dogs their medication. Post your ideas.
Penut Butter
Trying to get a pill down a pet's throat is a real chore and like me, sometimes my fingers got a little "chewed" up trying. I learned a neat trick! Using a standard syringe I put Peanut Butter on the tip of the syringe, then I stick the pill in the peanut butter and stick it in my dog's mouth turning it to make sure the peanut butter (and the pill) sticks to her tongue or roof of her mouth. The peanut butter causes the dog to constantly lick and swallow therefore she can't spit the pill out! Works great!
By Debi Stokes
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Easy Drop Biscuits
Here is a recipe that is super cheap to make. I usually double the recipe because my family loves them. They go great with soup and are very filling.
Ingredients:
- 2 cup flour (can use 1 cup white, 1 cup whole wheat)
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 3/4 cup milk or water
- 1/4 cup oil
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients, then measure water or milk in the same container at the same time, then dump into the center of the dry ingredients. Stir just until blended, if they are a bit powdery this is just right. Drop large scoops of dough with a soup spoon onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 20 minutes.
You can pat the biscuits to shape them, but my family likes the crispy edges that come from leaving them untouched-up. The insides are fluffy and light. These are absolutely best straight from the oven, but they keep alright on the pan with a dish towel over them or in a zip lock bag left open to retain some crispness (after they are totally cool).
I have also made cheap gravy using 2 cups water, 2 tsp bullion (or whatever is suggested on the package) and 1/2 cup flour. Stir together and heat in a sauce pan until thick and bubbly, season with pepper to taste.
By TabbyCat
View Article: Click Here
Lemonade Concentrate
Ingredients:
- 4 lemons (juiced)
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 oranges (juiced)
Directions:
Mix well - concentrate can be stored in refrigerator. Add concentrate to 5-6 cup water.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Removing Salt from Boots
Sidewalk salt can stain suede boots, and is especially noticeable on dark colored boots. To clean off the white marks, wipe the suede with a clean cloth dipped in white vinegar. It works like magic!
By zballoongirl
Post Feedback: Click Here
Scalloped Cornbread
Ingredients:
- 1 pkg. Jiffy cornbread mix
- 1 can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can cream style corn
- 1 stick margarine (melted)
- 1 egg
Directions:
Mix all ingredients together and put in greased 8x11 inch baking dish. Bake 30 minutes or until turning golden in color.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Chewy Dunkin' Snacks
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup shortening
- 1 egg
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 2 1/3 cup flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ginger
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Directions:
Mix well shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses. Sift and add remaining ingredients. Shape into 1 inch balls. Dip tops in sugar. Bake on ungreased baking sheet 12-15 minutes at 375 degrees. Makes 5 dozen cookies. Cover loosely for crisp cookies. Cover tightly for soft cookies.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Sugar 'N Spice Angel Food Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar
- 1/4 tsp. and 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 2/3 cup egg whites
- 1 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 c. packed dark brown sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In medium bowl, with fork, mix flour, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, confectioner's sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt; set aside. In large bowl, with mixer on high speed, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and 1/2 tsp. salt until soft peaks form; beat in vanilla extract. Beating high speed, sprinkle in sugar and brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. at a time, beating until sugar completely dissolves and whites stand in stiff peaks. With rubber spatula or wire whisk, fold in flour mixture just until flour disappears. Do not overmix. Pour batter into ungreased 10 inch tube pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert cake in pan onto a plate; cool completely in pan. With metal spatula, carefully loosen cake from pan. 16 servings.
By Robin
View Article: Click Here
Other Active Topics
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Tip Contest
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Syndication Spotlight:
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Dear Webby's Humor Letter
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New Requests:
Keeping Sugar From Becoming Hard
How do I keep high humidity from hardening the granulated sugar? It seems like I remember seeing rice or something in the sugar container at the local cafe while traveling in the mid-west. The high humidity is a new problem in our home that we need to deal with but in the mean time - what do I do about the sugar hardening in the canister and sugar bowl?
Lorrie who has hardening of the sugar :(
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Stains On Leather Jacket Collar
I have a beautiful light beige (lambskin) leather jacket from Italy, but over the last few years the collar has discolored from wear. Any way to remove the stains?
Thanks - Jen
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Pet Health Insurance
Does anyone have any feedback on pet health insurance? How much does it cost, is it worth it? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Sam
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Perfumes and Colognes
I have some questions regarding perfumes and colognes:
What is the difference between parfum and eau de parfum? Are they both perfumes?
What is the difference between cologne and toilet water?
Finally, are knock-offs (or generic forms) just as good as brand names in the same way as pharmaceuticals are?
Thanks so much.
Anjeena
View Article: Click Here
Looking for Crocheted Dress
I was wondering whether anyone knows where I could find a long slinky crocheted dress for my formal. Some sort or bright colour too, like yellow. I need your help, as I cannot find one ANYWHERE. Thank you - Lucy
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Looking for Wood Burning Stove
I am looking into a wood burning stove for warming my home. Is there a good place to shop to get a great deal? I hate paying so much for natural gas! pakjc
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Problems Staying Logged In On ThriftyFun
I have a question. When I want to make a comment about something someone has written about, I make sure I am logged in, and still i get the message that I am logged on a guest. What gives?
Linda
Post Feedback: Click Here
Mold on Window Frames
I have a gross mold problem on the frames of most of my windows. I rent the house, so I don't want to spend a lot of money. But it is driving me crazy. It is nasty. Any ideas on how I can get it off or prevent it in the future would be appreciated. It is so bad it is causing some of the paint to peel.
Thanks so much for any help,
Wendy
Post Feedback: Click Here
Large Area Weed Control In Arizona
Does anyone have a good idea for large area weed control? I live in Arizona where having a lawn is not the best option. One of my two acres is primarily "yard" which i have cleared every year with a tractor. Eventually I will be covering this area with decroative rock, however in the meantime I have been over grown with weeds.
I would like to apply something to this entire area to keep the weeds from coming back in between my annual clearing and manually weeding every week is not an option. Does anyone know of a chemical that i can spray/spread over this large of an area that won't cost thousands of dollars? :)
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nichole in AZ
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Ideas for an Easter Scavanger Hunt
I would like to do a scavanger hunt for my girlfriend's kids for Easter, instead of just giving them Easter baskets. Does anyone have any ideas for some clues. I will probably do it inside the house since it is still cold outside.
Laura
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Skunk Under Inground Pool
We have a skunk living under an Inground Pool and I have tried moth balls, black pepper, D.E., and I can't convince him or her to find another home. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Charlotte McIntosh
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Brown for MultiGrain Bread
How can I make brown for my multi grain bread besides using molasses for a sweetening. I don't know what else "natural" that I can use. Coffee, Cocoa - will the flavor be too overpowering? Thanks,
- Eloise Gulick, Franklinville NYS 60 mi s of Buffalo, home of the Buffalo Bills
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Hole in Sofa Slipcover
My dog has "dug" a five inch hole in my navy blue sofa slipcover, and it's right in the middle of the first cushion. I can sew it up, but how can I cover the spot, or disguise it? I welcome all ideas (except stuffing the dog and putting him on the spot). Thank you!
By zballoongirl
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Soot on Painted Wall
My boyfriend turned the wrong burner on the stove on, which happened to have a plastic folgers coffee can(empty) on it. Needless to say, the can melted into the stove (which we got clean) but the painted walls and ceiling are covered in soot. Are there ANY suggestions on cleaning this up without having to repaint (its a rental house).
Thanks ahead of time - Sara
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Surprise 25th Birthday Ideas
My husband's 25th birthday is next month and I would like to do something special for him. He has NEVER had a birthday party, even when he was a kid so I would like to give him a surprise birthday party.
My problem is that I have no idea what to do at the party. I would like to have some kind of activities to do. I do not want it to be childish or too old either.
Someone mentioned to me to have it at a restaurant but I would not know how to invite people and expect them to pay their own way (I could not pay for everyone). If anyone has any ideas, they would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Rachel from TN
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More Reading:
Easter Bunny Poem
People buy cute cuddly baby rabbits on impulse for children at Easter. They don't realize that a bunny is not a low-maintaince pet and they don't stay cuddly babies. The family gets bored with the rabbit and they end up at the animal shelter. This happens with rabbits more so than with other kinds of pets. This is a poem about such an easter rabbit.
View Article: Click Here
The "Credit Card Debt Termination" Scam
By Charles J. Phelan
"Legally terminate credit card debt! You can be debt-free in 4-6 months!" Advertisements like this are for a new type of program that has spread via the Internet over the past few years. It's called "Credit Card Debt Termination," and victims are paying up to $3,500 for this bogus service. In this article, I'll review the principles behind this program and explain exactly why it's a scam to be avoided.
View Article: Click Here
A St. Pat's Day Feast!
By Cyndi Roberts
You don't have to be Irish to have fun on St. Patrick's Day.
Why not surprise your family with a meal all made of green foods!
View Article: Click Here
The "Secret" Fourth Credit Bureau
By Tim Covell
A fourth major credit bureau, Innovis/CBC, sometimes called the "secret credit bureau," has emerged. No longer is it enough for consumers to monitor their credit files with the "big three" credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Now consumers have to deal with Innovis/CBC, and dealing with them is not easy. Innovis/CBC is hard to find and consumers report Innovis/CBC is reluctant to provide information from its files.
View Article: Click Here
Understanding Freebies
By Jeffrey Strain
It seems that everyone is after "freebies" these days to save a little money. While this may appear to be a good way to save, understanding why freebies are offered and the different types of freebies that are available is essential to make sure you aren't spending more that you thought. "Spending more than I thought? It's a freebie, how can I be spending money?" you may be asking yourself. That's what this article is going to show you so you can determine if that freebie is truly free.
View Article: Click Here
Canine Bloat
By Ron Swerdfiger
Bloat refers to the bloating of the stomach. Essentially it is a build up of gas in the stomach which is unable to be released. Bloat with Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists 180 to 360 degrees on it's axis between the esophagus and duodenum or the entrance and exit parts of the stomach. Bloat is a very serious problem in large breed dogs. When combined with the complications of GDV, bloat is a leading cause of death of dogs, second only to cancer.
View Article: Click Here
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