Daily Thrifty Tips - October 26, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 209, October 26, 2009 (Read It Online) Thanksgiving Crafts Do you have a Thanksgiving craft to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit it to ThriftyFun with at least one picture and instructions for making it and we will pay you $15 if we publish it. The vast majority of crafts submitted are published. To learn more about Crafts for Fun and Money visit the link below: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team Send to a Friend! Share a Tip (You could win $25!) Share a Photo (You could win $25!) Have a Question? Submit a request... Link to ThriftyFun.com View Active Topics! Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter. Today's newsletter contains: Today's Photos: Scenery: Serenity in Otterville, MO Halloween: Super Grover Costume (Sesame Street) In Memory of Pepper (Black Lab) Darla Rose (Yorkshire Terrier) Maxx (Yorkie/Terrier Mix) Today's Tips: Use Washable Glue to Attach Gems To Hair Use Dishes Lined With Rocks for Bars of Soap Use Excess Cologne as Air Freshener Making a Fruit Fly "Trap" Keeping Track When Flipping Your Mattress Dryer Sheets as Swiffer Replacements Sprinkle Salt on Carpets to Kill Fleas Homemade Face Paint Joke of the Day New Requests: Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business Replacement Cord for an Electric Blanket Bleach Stained the Shower Selling Used VCRs Triple Coupons Replacing a Dining Room Chair Cushion Refrigerator Not Cold and Freezer Not Freezing 5th Grade Assignment: Build Simple Machine Removing Nicotine Stains from Lips Restoring the Nap on a Microfiber Couch Vastu Shastra Kitchen Colours More Uses for Cream of Tartar Making Your Own Flarp Creative Ideas for Giving Money Removing a Stain on Corian Free Safe Movie Viewing Site Christmas Gift for My Boyfriend Removing Ink Stains From Carpet Remedy for Muscle Spasms How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house? Cleaning Pet Urine Odor on Concrete Remedies for Dry Skin Watching Out of Season TV Shows Grease Stains on Suede Shoes Bill Me Later Online Stores Removing Burn Marks from Stainless Steel Pot Litterbox Problems With an Older Cat What is This Poem? Removing Glue from Wool Blazer "Christmas is Dreams, Wishes, and Imagination" Christmas Float Ideas More Reading: Link: Seasonal and Swine Flu Information at Flu.gov Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish. More Information: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml Today's Photos: Scenery: Serenity in Otterville, MO Serenity. We all can have it.It doesn't have to cost your life savings. It can light on your shoulder in a twinkling of an eye. It can fall apart over the slightest thing. Serenity. By melody_yesterday from Otterville, MO Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96309536.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: Super Grover Costume (Sesame Street) Here is a DIY Super Grover costume. At a local thrift store, I bought a blue sweat shirt and a blue pair of pants, and tried to match the color as close as possible. I also found some colored felt and sewed on the "S" with the lighting bolt as his logo. To make his logo, I found a picture online, saved it to my computer and enlarged it to get the logo the right size, that's where I got my pattern from. His red cape is actually an old tree skirt I pick up at a thrift store. I cut to his size. Instead of tying it around his neck, I sewed it on so it wouldn't bother him! The helmet is an old fire hat that the local fire houses give out, covered in duct tape. I used an old cereal box to create the front part and stapled it on, and used a black magic market to decorate it. It really was a lot of fun to make. The best part is he loves it! I didn't pay more than $3.00 for the whole thing! That's a bargain! By Karen from Arnold, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43384591.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | In Memory of Pepper (Black Lab) Pepper lived to be 13, he was a Black Lab that I got at 6 weeks old, in 1992 from a friend of my aunt's. Pepper loved catching frisbees and balls. He also loved playing with children. He loved water. He had his own little plastic pool. He was so smart and it seemed like he knew exactly what I said to him. By Vickie from Fredericksburg, VA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82716172.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Darla Rose (Yorkshire Terrier) Darla Rose is a 10 week old Yorkshire Terrier. This is our beautiful new "Grand Dog," Darla Rose, on her ride home to her new family. She is 10 weeks old, weighs 2 lbs and is a big fur fluff. She felt at home almost immediately and is lovin' her new big brother Bart, another Yorkie who is going on 2. She is very active and is adjusting quite well to her new surroundings and routine. We are so proud of the little cuties and they love it when Nana and Pop pop stop in to visit! By Elaine from York, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11852501.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Maxx (Yorkie/Terrier Mix) Maxx is a 4 year old Yorkie/Terrier mix. Maxx was a rescue dog and we got him right before Christmas last year. Maxx loves to play in the water hose. It's so comical to watch him chase the water. By the time he is done, he is soaked and loves it! Maxx is such a loving and sweet dog. He has a great personality we are so lucky to have him in our lives. By Mary from Gulfport, MS Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54802749.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Contests: Tip Contest Submit a Tip or Recipe! Photo Contest Submit a tip with photo! These 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! Today's Tips: Use Washable Glue to Attach Gems To Hair When I was young, I'd put little braids in my hair then glue rhinestones to the braids for sparkles when I'd go out at night. This would be wonderful for a child's fairy or princess costume at Halloween! To remove them, simply wet the hair in the bath while the child plays and wait several minutes for the washable glue to dissolve (about 5 minutes), then wash hair as usual. By Cyinda from near Seattle Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74470799.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Use Dishes Lined With Rocks for Bars of Soap Because we have a couple of our adult children living at home, I find there are too many different bars of soap lying around the bathroom. To keep them tidy and also to give a pretty look to the room I found a way to organize the sudsy mess! I simply used a country looking container (I like enamelware, so I used a small enamelware piece, you could use a decorative square or rectangle "plate" or a pretty glass piece that you want to display, pewter, etc.) I laid pretty river rocks on the bottom (the bigger ones) on the bottom of the enamelware, and lined the soaps on top of the rocks. They are great for keeping the soap dry and look so nice! By Joynchocolate from Landisville, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74975500.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Use Excess Cologne as Air Freshener I received a bunch of those small bottles of cologne from my family for my birthday; the kind they have at Walmart on one of the hanging displays, about $6-8 each. Some of them I love enough to wear, but not all. So the ones I don't really care for enough to wear, I will dribble on the back of the couch, recliner, etc, and it makes a nice (free to me) air freshener! I don't recommend buying them for that reason as they are a bit high, but if you have any leftover cologne that you just don't wear, don't want, or want to hurry and use up, it is a great use! By Fatboyslimsmom from Many, LA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10783483.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Making a Fruit Fly "Trap" Getting rid of fruit flies. First get a plastic grocery bag. Put the rotting fruit in the bottom of the bag. Set it on the counter fully open at the top with the sides pulled up. This is so the flies will go down to the bottom of the bag. Wait about 15 minutes or so and then quickly shut the bag trapping the flies inside. Take the bag outside and let them loose. I had to do this three times as they are fast little buggers. Source: Gail B. By elizabethgb7 from Bremerton, WA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69160966.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Keeping Track When Flipping Your Mattress Which way did I flip my mattress last time? Place a safety pin on the bottom left corner, Keep removing it and placing it at the bottom left corner every time you flip and turn the mattress. In this way you flip and turn counter clockwise. So, you are assured that you are getting even wear and tear on that expensive mattress. Source: Gramma By Paula W. from Jacksonville, FL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf36982116.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dryer Sheets as Swiffer Replacements Don't throw away those used dryer sheets, there is yet another use for them. I finally bought a Swiffer for my floors, because my knees won't allow me to clean on all fours, but I'm not spending money on refill cloths, wet or dry. I use 2 used dryer sheets, tucked in just like Swiffer sheets. It picks up all of our lost hairs, the dog hairs, dust and whatever comes in on our shoes. And if I'd like to wet mop, an old t-shirt or towel cut to size and moistened in hot soapy water does the trick. Then you can rinse the floor with another piece of scrap cloth moistened in cold clear water. These cloths can then be washed and reused too. I've also used clean used dryer sheets on the Swiffer to "dust" along where the walls and ceiling meet. Why buy a special tool? Another good time saver, is to tuck in several layers of the dryer sheets at one time, alternating one end after the other. Then while cleaning, just peel off one when the head is full and continue cleaning until you need to peel off another one full of "stuff". My floors are clean and shiny, my cob webs are gone, and my knees thank me. Source: My own necessity and "cheapskate" ways. :) By Kathy from Wisconsin Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38799915.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Sprinkle Salt on Carpets to Kill Fleas How to get rid of fleas in your house. The best thing that I found was sprinkling salt in the carpet. You don't see the salt like you do powders. This was so effective, I was amazed. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats that come in and out. The fleas got in the carpet and were biting us all the time. I started looking for natural ways to get rid of them. In my search, I found out about salt. A box of table salt, so cheap yet so effective. The salt dehydrates the eggs and larva in the carpet. After a day or so you can vacuum. Reapply as needed. By Kathynrwd from Birmingham, AL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10329497.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Homemade Face Paint This recipe is for homemade face paint. Ingredients 1 Tbsp. cold cream 1 Tbsp. corn starch, a little more or less, maybe, to make a nice paste 1/4 tsp. or more white food color - Wilton makes a great white food color. Directions Mix all together, then add any paste gel food color you want. Make different colors, put it in a child's empty watercolor pallet. The addition of the white food color makes it possible to use this face paint just like the real face paint. Use a wet brush and use just like the real thing. This face paint does stain the skin, but use any dish soap with OXY in it and the paint comes off very nicely. OXY means that there is peroxide present in the product. Have fun. Source: This recipe could have been from ThriftyFun or CraftsBits.com, but one addition to the recipe improves it greatly. By Cricket Girl from Atascadero, CA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58862480.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dear Webby's Joke of the Day The children were lined up for lunch in the cafeteria of the school. At the head of the table sat a large bowl of apples, to which the teacher had attached the following note: "Take only one, God is watching." At the other end of the table was a large platter of chocolate chip cookies to which one clever young boy had attached this note: "Take all you want. God is watching the apples." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Name Ideas for a Cleaning Business I need an idea for a name for my cleaning business. By Robin A. from Modesto, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86502935.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Replacement Cord for an Electric Blanket We are dogsitting and the dog chewed through my daughter's electric blanket where the controller plugs into the electric blanket. Can you buy a replacement cord? If so where? By Jerry from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61580701.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Bleach Stained the Shower I cleaned the shower with bleach and left it on too long. Now I can't get the stain off. I tried vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Then scrubbed with bleach again. It was a no go. Can anyone help? By Jo T. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53256649.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Selling Used VCRs I have many VCRs with or without the DVD combo. They just need minor cleaning. What would be the best way to sell them? I hate that I just have them sitting around the house taking up space. Most all of them just need cleaning. By Brenda from Columbia, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11678759.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Triple Coupons What are triple coupons? I have heard of double coupons, but not triple. I live near Akron, Ohio and I would like to know where I could find these? Thank you. By Cara from Kent, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57084081.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Replacing a Dining Room Chair Cushion I would like instructions for replacing a dining room chair cushion. By JoAnn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54628814.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Refrigerator Not Cold and Freezer Not Freezing I need your advice fast. I have a Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator-freezer in my kitchen; it's maybe five years old. The top part of the freezer is cold, but does not freeze. The bottom part of the freezer freezes. The refrigerator is not very cold at all, so I've started storing milk, etc. in the top part of the freezer. Anyone know how to fix all this? I can't afford to buy a new fridge. Thanks so much for the advice. By AnnahFM from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67529171.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | 5th Grade Assignment: Build Simple Machine I need ideas for a 5th grader to "build a simple machine". Keep it simple. Thanks. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92094870.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Nicotine Stains from Lips I agree, because of excessive smoking, my lips have turned dark in color. What is the best way to remove nicotine stains from my lips and return them to their normal healthy pink? By VIJAYARAGHAVAN from Mumbai, India Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94514932.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Restoring the Nap on a Microfiber Couch I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to get my microfiber couches to look new again. They are kind of old and the microfiber on the cushions has worn down and looks shiny and smooth. Anybody know if there is a way to make it look soft again? By Lanie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74781966.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Vastu Shastra Kitchen Colours What are the colours for the kitchen as per the Vastu Shastra? By Sanjay from Pune Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23930882.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | More Uses for Cream of Tartar I have a large bag of cream of tarter that I purchased from a bulk store. I am looking for suggestions for other uses. By Rose S. from Malvern, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18133958.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Making Your Own Flarp I would like to find the recipe for flarp. By bmorris Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74890754.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Creative Ideas for Giving Money I need some ideas on a fun way to give money to my children at Christmas. They are grown. By Gwyn B. from Searcy, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15492011.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing a Stain on Corian I have a grayish stain on beige Corian counter top, around the sink. I don't know how it got there. How do you clean the Corian? By Don M. from Tracy, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21197643.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Free Safe Movie Viewing Site What is the safest website for free movies? By Danny from Salt Lake City, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39874486.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Christmas Gift for My Boyfriend I have a 23 year old boyfriend and he has everything he wants. What he wanted for Christmas, he just bought. So now I don't know what to get him. I have talked to his family and they have no clue. So what should I do? By Brandi from Salida, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12210255.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Ink Stains From Carpet How do I get ink out of carpeting? By Gloria from Milwaukee, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf182295.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Remedy for Muscle Spasms I have always had problems with muscle spasms even as a child, but they have gotten worse in the past year. If I have to get up in the night to go to the bathroom and don't, I immediately go into extreme muscle spasms in both of my legs. I eat bananas, but am not much of a water drinker. If there is anything that I can do to help me get a good nights sleep I would appreciate it. By Sue from Raleigh, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf196960.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | How can I get rid of lady bugs in my house? We just moved in our new house in August. And it is nearly the end of October and our house has been taken over by a form of ladybugs. I am going crazy, from the time I wake up til the time I go to bed I am constantly dragging the vacuum up and down the stairs. I have been vacuuming them away constantly. It seems to work, but every time I think I got them all, along comes another batch. Any ideas or proven remedies? Please help. By Robin from Burgettstown, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77022061.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning Pet Urine Odor on Concrete I'd like to ask if there is any way to remove odours from concrete caused by mink. Three years ago minks were placed in a semi finished building. After that, there is a terrible smell in all the building. Maybe due to their feed or urine. I really don't know. Can you help me counter this problem? Is there any special chemical product I can use to wash the concrete? Please help me. By Anastasia from Greece Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39918562.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Remedies for Dry Skin I have had very dry skin since birth. I experience many problems during the winter. Can you please suggest to me any treatments/products for permanent treatment for it. This is a genetic problem in my family. By Arvind from India Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67671417.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Watching Out of Season TV Shows Where can I watch Lost season 5 online? By Ambernine from NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32090064.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Grease Stains on Suede Shoes I broke a bottle of Zyrtec (allergy liquid medicine) and it went on the suede part of my shoes. Shortly after this happened, I went to a shoe repair store who told me "you can't get grease off of suede". He had some foam product that I didn't buy. I am in desperate need of advice, because I have a hard time finding shoes to fit. I just read to purchase a suede eraser (where do I purchase this?), or a pencil eraser if you don't have this, or medium sandpaper used sparingly. Any input is greatly appreciated. By Karen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf466523.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Bill Me Later Online Stores Where can I get guaranteed shop online now and pay later credit? By jme from Honolulu Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60968423.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Burn Marks from Stainless Steel Pot I was heating water in a stainless steel pot and forgot it. It is scorched or burned, how can I get this cleaned? By Melee from Los Angeles, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf900992.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Litterbox Problems With an Older Cat I have a female seventeen year old cat, which is an American shorthair, named Rose. She has been peeing on the floor in the laundry room and won't use the litterbox. My mom has just about had it. We had her tested for a urinary tract infection, but our vet said she didn't have it. Do you know what else might be going on? By Kendal from Ennis, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf22168582.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What is This Poem? Several years ago after my son passed away I found a poem in his school papers. I lost the poem and have searched the internet and can't find it and hope someone in our community can help me find it again. I feel pretty sure that my son didn't write it. It was about a father coming home from work late and the son pretending to be asleep. The father lights a match to see the son's face and he has the match inside his cupped hands, it creates a lit up heart out of his hands. Can anyone help me find this poem please? By Virginia from Brownsville, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29176278.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Glue from Wool Blazer I have taken an emblem off the pocket of a man's wool blazer. There was a small amount of glue under the emblem. How can I remove the glue? By Marietta H. from Lexington, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50973892.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | "Christmas is Dreams, Wishes, and Imagination" Christmas Float Ideas I am looking for ideas for a Christmas float this year. Our town theme is: Christmas is dreams, wishes, and imagination. By Ethel C. from Chatom, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12916040.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Today's Sponsor: Crafting for Fun and Money! If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish. More Information: Click Here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_craft.ldml More Reading: Link: Seasonal and Swine Flu Information at Flu.gov Flu season is in full swing in the U.S. and in many other parts of the world. Many people are especially worried about H1N1 (Swine Flu). Here is a government website set up to answer questions regarding symptoms, treatment and vaccinations, including a vaccine finder feature. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34344708.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.