October 23, 2004

Getting the Shine Out of a Black DressI have a black dress that is made of rayon and acetate. I accidently ironed the dress without turning it inside out. The material is now shiny. How can I get rid of the shine?? Thanks, Debbi

 

Quick as a Flash Burrito FillingCombine two pounds of cooked beef, two packets of Lawry's Burrito Seasoning mix (any brand will do); 2-1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Done! Wrap in warm flour tortillas with grated cheese. Serves 8. By Kathy

 

Better Tasting Instant Mashed PotatoesTo make instant mashed potatoes taste better, add some salt free seasoning such as Mrs. Dash. The seasoning masks the artificial flavor some instant potatoes have.

 

Gravy TipsFor quick thickener for gravies, add some instant potatoes to your gravy and it will thicken beautifully. By Peggy

 

Quickly Dice EggsTo make quick diced eggs, take your potato masher and go to work on a boiled egg. By Peggy

 

Homemade Banana BreadA recipe for homemade banana bread. By Suzanne S.

 

Jelly Bean CostumeA cute inexpensive Halloween costume is to get two large pieces of plastic, large enough to cover your body front and back (furniture stores are great places to get this) or use a large clear garbage bag. Tape the bottom and side edges together, but leave openings for your arms and legs. Leave the top open. Blow up assorted colors of balloons and fill the bag.

 

Boil Eggs SafelyIf you wrap each egg in aluminum foil before boiling it, the shell won't crack when it's boiling. By Peggy

 

Using Halloween Candy for ChristmasAs I was browsing the Halloween candy at Big Lots today, most of the chocolate (i.e. Hersheys, Milky Way, etc were $1.78 for the 11-12 oz size bag.

 

Uses for VelcroI love sticky back velcro. I have velcro'd a large clip on top of my rolltop desk to put outgoing correspondence into, velcro'd a scratch pad to the visor of my car, and my personal favorite...

 

Donating to GoodwillRather then making a pile of stuff to go to Goodwill that gets bigger and bigger on top of the dryer, I hang a heavy duty trash bag on a hook in the garage which is two steps farther than the laundry room.

 

ThriftyFun News October 23, 2004 - More Halloween TipsOnline version of the ThriftyFun News. Halloween Tips. Volume Six, Number 41 October 23, 2004

 

Pumpkin Plants for Halloween TreatsI'm giving out tiny pots of planted pumpkin seeds this Halloween. Last year, I saved the seeds from pumpkins when making jack-o-lanterns and dried them. We roasted and ate some, planted others in our vegetable garden and saved the rest.

 

Halloween LuminariasThrough the cold nights of fall and winter, luminaria are beautiful lining walkways, garden paths and sitting on porches -- particularly on Halloween.

 

Searching for an Easy Tote Pattern?I want to make tote bags for toddlers and I'm not sure what measurements I should be using.I'd love to find some easy to follow patterns. Thanks, bizzyhands

 

What Goes with My Living Room Paint?I have painted my dining room and living room the color called February Frost by Behr Paint, with white crown molding trim. February Frost is very similar to the pastel purple that is on your web-site. I think the color is beautiful, however, I don't know what colors to match with it so that I can get throw pillows for my sofas and also slipcovers made for my chairs. What colors go with this painted room. PLEASE HELP!! Sher-Rhonda

 

Ideas for Truly Madly Deeply Prom?My daughters are in charge of their Prom and need ideas for creating a water fountain look and ideas for a picture corner. The theme is "Truly Madly Deeply" Any ideas are appreciated. -lazetta

 

What to Do with 10 Pounds of Ground Beef?Sometimes, you can find a great deal at the grocery store on ground beef. Then comes the problem of how to use it up before it goes bad. Here are some ideas from the ThriftyFun community. Please share your own as well.

 

Making Doormats from Rope?I have just learned how to make rag rugs. I really enjoy doing them and have made 2 so far and plan on making more. I got the incentive from you guys. My question is how do you make an outside door mat from rope? Do you do it the same way or is there another way that you do it. Thanks in advance.