March 4, 2005

Stewed TomatoesRecipe for stewed tomatoes.

 

Choice ChiliWash beans, soak overnight in water 2 inches above beans. Simmer in same water, covered, until tender. Add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes.

 

FettuccineMelt margarine. Add whipping cream, then slowly add cheese. Stir continuously. When all melted,pour over cooked noodles and stir. Sprinkle with white pepper, if desired.

 

5 Bean Casserole Recipe looking for a 5 bean casserole recipe my mother used to make for us as kids. i can only remember some of the ingredients... green beans, lima beans, wax beans....can't remember the other 2 beans and it had vienna sausages in it as well as some horse radish. if any can help me i sure would appreciate it imaqt1962

 

Order Your Wedding Cake EarlyAll parents with daughters know just how expensive planning a wedding can be. There seems to be an endless list of expenses. One of the best tips I can share is to order your cake as early as possible. My daughter is getting married in June and we ordered her cake in January. This allowed us to pay the small deposit and then make small payments until the cake was paid for! Much easier than paying the lump sum all at once! By Amy

 

Using Straw For Low Maintenance GardenFor a low maintenance garden I cover my garden with straw. It keeps the weeds away keeps the soil moist all the time. I grow my potatoes in a pile made from straw. It produced the best ever crop for me last year 2004.

 

Learn to Change Your OilSave money by learning to change your own oil in your car. To have it changed at a Lube place it runs $30.00, three times a year averaging $90.00. Four quarts of oil runs about $9.00, which works out to $27.00 a year, savings of $63.00 a year. By Bobbie

 

Research Gas Prices OnlineTired of paying high prices for gasoline? Just log onto http://www.gasbuddy.com or http://www.gaspricewatch.com and enter your zip code to find the lowest-priced pump near you. By Kathy

 

Emergency Car KitYou never know when you could break down in bad weather and eventhough you have a cell phone, you never know how long it will be until the tow truck will be there. So here are somethings you should keep in a plastic tub in your trunk:

 

Remembering to Turn Your Lights OffIf you're anything like me, my memory fails me quite often. On a rainy day I choose to drive with my headlights on but often forget to turn them off. On older model cars you do not get a reminder bell, so I simply turn the lights on and immediately lock my driver's door.

 

Preventing Pantry PestsClean up spills in your cabinet quickly. Store food in air tight plastic, glass or metal containers. Clean food storage areas at least once a year and inspect packaging for leaks.

 

Ice Scraper IdeasHave an icy windshield but no ice scraper? Here are some other things you can use in a pinch. Post your ideas.

 

Homemade Car Air FreshenerCut a piece of fun foam into desired shape. You can draw it, or use cookie cutters to trace around. Cut the shape out. Paper edging scissors are fun to use! Take a drop or two of essential oil or fragrance oil (from the craft store or a health food store) and rub it on with your finger.

 

Kelley Blue BookFind out the value of your car. Also car buying advice, reviews and ratings about vehicles.

 

Bargain Hunting StrategiesWhether you do your shopping mostly in retail stores, thrift stores, or at garage and yard sales, there are some strategies that will work for you and help you to find a bargain every time!

 

Easter BabyThis is a picture of my niece Paige, 2 years old at Halloween time.

 

FuelEconomy.orgThis page lists the best fuel economy you can get in a new car. It goes Hybrid (Insign,Prius,Civic), VW Diesel models, then the normal gas Civic, followed by five Toyotas (Echo, Scion XA and XB, Camry, and Celica).

 

Real Estate Tip - A Thorough Walk ThroughWhen thinking of purchasing a previously owned home, when doing a "walk through", you might want to move certain items that are strategically placed (ex. a big flower pot, a picture on the wall, prepacked boxes, etc.) to make sure the house is in as good of shape as it looks.

 

Review of The Dodge Grand CaravanThis tip is to sing the praises of our Dodge Grand Caravan. This is the second Dodge van we have had and we just have to say that we LOVE them! There is nothing more comfortable to ride in.

 

Auto Insurance DiscountsMake sure you are getting all of the discounts you are entitled to, on your auto insurance. Most companies give discounts for anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, airbags, etc. Some discounts you may not be aware of.

 

Using Rain-X On Your WindshieldI highly recommend using Rainx on your windshield. The first time it rained after I had applied the rainx I was able to see so clearly it looked as if wasn't even raining.

 

Tips for Finding a Good MechanicThe best time to locate and check out a repair shop is when you don't need one! Don't wait until you have a serious problem and are in a panic ... that can make you a prime candidate for making a costly mistake.

 

Buying Gas JokeConversation overheard at a gas station....

 

Avoid The Drive ThroughDo not wait in a drive-through line for food to go, you will save money on gas lost waiting in line, and also get exercise by parking your car and walking inside to order!

 

Saving on Auto Insurance for TeensVehicle insurance is so expensive, especially if you have teenagers! One of the things many people seem to forget is that most companies will give you a discount on your policy if your child gets good grades.

 

ThriftyFun News - March 4, 2005 - Shopping Retail and Bargain ShoppingOnline version of the ThriftyFun News. Shopping Retail and Bargain Shopping. Volume Seven, Number 9 March 4, 2005

 

Check for Senior DiscountsIf you are a senior be sure to get the discount.

 

Unusual Things To Keep In Your CarHere are some oftentimes forgotten -- or otherwise overlooked -- items that you should ALWAYS keep in your car...

 

News About Gas PricesBelow we will post the latest news about gas prices. If you have any news to share or links to post, feel free to post them below.

 

Check Your TiresBe sure to look at all your tires before getting in the car, as one might be low and cause you to have a blow-out and wreck. By Terri H.

 

Cassettes or VHS Tapes of Elderly RelativesMake cassettes or VHS (or whatever) of your elderly relatives. Ask them questions about their childhood, their dating years, anything they can and would like to talk about of years gone by. One day, when they've passed on these will be cherished keepsakes. No better way to pass on to your younger family members than words of older loved ones. Copies would make great gifts. By Terri H.

 

ThriftyFun News - March 4, 2005 - Cars, Trucks and TransportationOnline version of the ThriftyFun News. Cars, Trucks and Transportation. Volume Seven, Number 10 March 4, 2005

 

First Aid Kit for the CarAn old purse can make a great first aid kit for the car. By imaqt1962

 

Using Leftover Scalloped PotatoesLeftover scalloped potatoes that won't be used up quickly? Load them in your blender, add milk and blend to smoothness, adding milk as necessary.

 

Emergency Cell Phone For Your CarSo you're on you're way home and you get into an accident or your car breaks down. You're trapped in your car. You have no way out. You can't afford cell phone service. What do you do? Did you know that if you keep any cell phone new or old charged even WITHOUT paying for service that you can dial a 911 call in case of emergencies to get the help you need.

 

Thrifty Items For Your Glove BoxHere are some items that you can put in your glove box and save time and money.

 

Driving TipsWant to be a better and safer driver? Here are some tips to help out. Also, post your ideas.

 

Buying a New Car? Take Your Time!One way that car sales people try to rope you into a quick sell is by creating the impression that you NEED to buy now to take advantage of some deal. Or if you wait a day, the car won't be available. Dealerships and salespeople are out to make a profit off your purchase, not find you the best deal.

 

Keep Your Car Upholstery Free From Sun DamageFaded upholstery and a cracked dashboard will lower the resale value of your car. Use an accordian-style cardboard windshield screen whenever you park in a sunny spot, and preserve your investment! These shields only cost a buck or two, and sometimes they are even free when they advertise a local business! By Becki in Indiana

 

How do I buy a used car?My car needs to be replaced and I am going to need to purchase a moderately priced used car. To buy a car in my price range, I will probably have to buy one through the "want ads". Does anyone have any tips for getting the right car at the right price? I am a single mom who doesn't know much about cars.

 

Uses For Plastic Air Mattresses?Reusing plastic air mattresses for something other than a mattress. Post your ideas.

 

Is Liability Enough?Dear Dollar Stretcher, I have liability insurance on my car. I know my coverage will take care of the other party. But does my liability pay for anything else after I have a wreck? Thanks, Kathryn K.

 

Replacing a Leased Vehicle?I have a 4 year-old Toyota 4Runner with 33,000 miles that will be at the end of the lease next July. I have never had any problems with the truck and I would love to keep it, but it would cost approximately $17,000 at that time and I will only be able to pay $4,000 in cash. Is it smarter to finance $13,000 on a lesser vehicle that is brand new or only slightly used with a warranty?

 

Sparkles Falling Off Top?How to I keep the silver sparkles from my "party" top from coming off all over my black skirt, hands, face, and husband? Any ideas? Someone suggested hairspray but I don't know if anyone has every tried it. I am afraid other stuff will stick to my top if I use hair spray. Nancy from NJ