Daily Thrifty Tips - November 3, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 215, November 3, 2009 (Read It Online) Contest winners will be announce in tomorrow's newsletter. Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like. Your ratings are used to pick contest winners. 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: Beautiful Sunrise Halloween: Log Truck Costume Tilly and Sophie (Calico Cats) Khloe (Min Pin and Terrier) Joey (Boxer/Beagle) Today's Tips: Buckle Your Purse in Your Seat Belt Keep Clothes Looking New With Lint Shaver Wireless Handy Switch Recall Herbal Sachets for Fresh Smelling Sheets Binder for Great ThriftyFun Ideas Sign and Date Your Crafts Removing Wood Varnish from Carpet Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping Joke of the Day New Requests: What is the Gestation Period for Dogs? Christmas Float Ideas: "A Musical Christmas" Removing Odor from Synthetic Leather Jacket Stain on Leather Couch From Window Cling Appropriate Tip For Waitress at Sports Bar Personalized Dog T-Shirt What breed of Husky is my dog? Cleaning Stuck Food off Cookware My New Puppy Won't Eat Birthday Gift Ideas for Boyfriend Color Advice for Kitchen Counter Tops Underarm Odor Improving Self Confidence Kilz Spray Paint on Leather Skirt Coupons for Troops Stain Remover for Old Stains Opening a Singer Magic Steam Press 7 Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading Removing Gum from Clothing Embellishing A Wedding Dress 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: Beautiful Sunrise I took this on our way to Ocean City, Maryland for a one day getaway. What a beautiful sunrise! By Lisa from Chambersburg, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72639284.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: Log Truck Costume We cut the stake body out of a photocopier paper box and spray painted it black. For the logs, we cut foam swimming pool noodles down to size and 'strapped' them in with a length of duct tape. We used a pair of suspenders to hold the box onto our son's back. The front part of his truck was a shoe box painted blue. The box flap lifted up and the 'engine compartment' was where he put his candy while he was trick or treating. We used white, yellow and black foam sheets for the tires and headlights and covered a small strip of cardboard with aluminum foil for the front bumper. We topped off his costume with a Peterbilt baseball cap. The cost of the costume was minimal, as we used materials that we had around the house - all that we needed to buy was a can of black spray paint and a can of blue spray paint so total out of pocket was less than $5.00. By Lesley from Hinsdale, NH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41819683.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Tilly and Sophie (Calico Cats) Tilly and Sophie are 3 months old and Calicos. My daughter's friend found the kittens abandoned in her garage. They were only about 3 weeks old. They love to chase each other around the house. And they snuggle together when they sleep. They really love each other! By Beth from Menomonee Falls, WI Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84790149.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Khloe (Min Pin and Terrier) Khloe is 1 year and 3 months old and a miniature pincher and terrier mix. I got her from a friend in June of 2008. She loves to play with other dogs, mainly her sister. She is very smart. She has learned tricks within 15 minutes. By Joni from Sarasota, FL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78336009.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Joey (Boxer/Beagle) Joey is 7 years old. We were told when we adopted him that he was a boxer/beagle mix, but he kind of looks like an over sized Puggle! We adopted him from anti-cruelty in 2002. He likes to chew bones, play with Bambi, Milo, and Leroy, chase squirrels, dig holes in the back yard, and beg for food being cooked on the barbeque! Joey is a comedian and is very sweet and gentle! He is the best pet! By missymls from Chicago, IL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63563937.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: Buckle Your Purse in Your Seat Belt Memphis, TN has a lot of crime, as most places these days do. To guard against purse snatching, when I buckle my seat belt I also buckle at least one handle of my purse into it. This also comes in handy when I need something out of my purse while I'm driving. I know that my purse is always down to my right and so I can reach right in it without having to look over in the passenger seat or the floor board. Plus, if a car wreck were to happen, there is less chance that the valuable contents of my purse are going to be thrown everywhere and anywhere. By Judy from Memphis, TN Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62390757.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Keep Clothes Looking New With Lint Shaver A friend gave me a lint shaver. It is battery operated and takes all those little pills of fuzz off of clothing. I keep it in the laundry room and use it all the time. It has even kept my husband's work t-shirts looking newer longer, as well as my favorite sweater that I accidentally washed with towels. Source: My very good and thoughtful friend, Connie. By eiw from Lancaster, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15386461.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Wireless Handy Switch Recall I just came across this link via my weekly email newsletter from Consumer Reports about a recall of Handy Switch. For safety sake thought I should share this just in case anyone here at ThriftyFun has one of these and hasn't heard this news yet: Idea Village Recalls Wireless Light Switches Due to Fire Hazard By Deeli from Richland, WA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13878761.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Herbal Sachets for Fresh Smelling Sheets Hi everyone! If you are like me, and I think you are, you like fresh smelling sheets and pillow cases and lingerie. I don't like to buy all of the expensive softeners and perfumes to make my linens smell good because they don't smell natural. It's almost always chemical. Instead, I take all of the herbs from my garden (lavender, oregano, basil, thyme and other aromatics) that grow year round and then give them a little crush with a rolling pin. Then I stuff them into a large or medium zip bags. I poke holes in the bags and layer them in-between my folded sheets, towels, pillow cases and underwear. The scent is fresh, invigorating and takes me back to summer. These bags can be good up to 6 months. You can even hang them in your closet. It smells so good! By sue123 from Oroville, CA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98814390.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Binder for Great ThriftyFun Ideas This may have been suggested before, but I have not seen it. After finding so many great ideas, some I wanted to do, or try, right away, and some I wanted for future reference, I came up with this plan. First I emptied a three ring notebook (the kind that holds regular school paper). Then I started printing the various ideas, or solutions to problems, and gluing them on notebook paper, or just writing them down on the paper. I took dividers to make some sense from it all, with food ideas in one space, craft things in another, stain removal in one, pet issues, etc. You may ask why I didn't just save it on my computer, well, have you ever saved anything, and had your computer crash? That's why! The things I find on thrifty fun are usually very helpful, and informative, so I want a solid copy that I can have in the area I need it. This has already helped in a couple situations. You can certainly use different types of binders, notebooks, etc., But the full size is what i had, and find that it works very well. If a picture was involved, and it doesn't print well, I sketch something that I can follow just as well. Maybe this will be as helpful to you as it has been already for me. by Loretta from Theodore, AL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49366085.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Sign and Date Your Crafts Always sign and date your labors of love. I have homemade ornaments from many years ago. Some aren't signed and it's sad not to remember who took the time to create their "labor of love". By Keeper60 from NC Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61854496.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Removing Wood Varnish from Carpet I tried everything had nothing to lose but to replace carpet so I tried WD-40. I sprayed it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and pressed it out. It took a while and a few cans, but it was cheaper than replacing a whole carpet. Source: I had tried everything else from peroxide, ammonia, hairspray, acetone. By Darlene from WV Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf350692.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Food Packaging Boxes as Gift Wrapping Why buy packaging boxes for money? Instead of throwing away packaging boxes (such as cereal boxes, cake boxes or any box that is clean on inside), I save them for use in gift wrapping any items that need boxes. I normally decoupage on top to make it special or wrap in newspaper and ribbon. But as an idea, why not let the children collage on top then use the box for great personalized packaging for $0. By Caeridwen from Kent OH Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41270007.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Teacher: Max, use "defeat," "defense" and "detail" in a sentence. Max: The rabbit ran across the field, and defeat went over defence before detail. Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: What is the Gestation Period for Dogs? I wish to know the gestation period for our pet Shih tzu dogs? By Terry from Camarillo, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83038303.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Christmas Float Ideas: "A Musical Christmas" I am in need of ideas for a Christmas float for our annual Christmas parade. The parade theme is "A Musical Christmas". The float can be based on a particular Christmas song or an actual Christmas movie or musical. All suggestions welcome. By Lorna from Callahan, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84958236.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Odor from Synthetic Leather Jacket I purchased a brand new, synthetic leather jacket with an inside lining from a "New Look" store. The jacket smells of fish, I did not notice this in the shop. It's a very unpleasant, strong smell that seems to have gotten worse as the past few days have gone by. I would very much like to rid of the smell, it also makes my clothes underneath smell, too. Does anyone know how I can get rid of the horrible smell? I would really appreciate it, thanks. By Ellie from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29634863.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Stain on Leather Couch From Window Cling I laid a red window cling on my blonde leather couch. I now have a huge stain. Please help. By Angela from St. Louis, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57622714.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Appropriate Tip For Waitress at Sports Bar My husband and I spent over 6 hours at a sports bar and grill today while watching 2 games. We had the same sweet, attentive waitress the entire time we were there. We had lunch, an appetizer later on, and many drink refills in between. Our bill was very reasonable, only about $27. My husband told me to "tip like we always do" meaning 20% of the total. That can't be appropriate for 6-1/2 hours of great service. I slipped her more money when he wasn't looking. We'll be going back to watch more games, so I would really appreciate some advice on the proper way to tip in this particular situation. Thank you. By Julie from IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66888149.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Personalized Dog T-Shirt My 15 pound chipin Ozzy needs a dog t-shirt with his name on it. Does anyone know where I can get one reasonably priced? I found a vintage one at petsuperstars for 35.00 and it may not fit. I don't mind custom if anyone knows a site. Thanks. By Jan from Lafayette, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56064139.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | What breed of Husky is my dog? What kind of husky is my dog? I recently adopted Zoey, she is said to be one and half years old. But, I am convinced she is younger by her looks and the way she acts. Many people have said she doesn't look like pure bred Siberian husky. Some have said maybe she has some wolf in her. By Samantha from Denver, CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf38990628.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning Stuck Food off Cookware How do you remove food that is stuck to the bottom of a pot? By Meryl Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf642329.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | My New Puppy Won't Eat My 7 week old pit puppy will not eat and has lost weight. By Liz from Concord, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95430946.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Birthday Gift Ideas for Boyfriend I would like some ideas for a birthday present for my boyfriend. By Emily from Victoria, Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70365626.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Color Advice for Kitchen Counter Tops I would like advice on counter top and wall color for my kitchen. The cabinets are cognac, appliances and wood trim are cream (bisque). The floor and back-splash are Terra Cotta. Most of my house has cream through gold walls. I am considering black granite with cream and Terra Cotta colored marbling. Thanks. By Valerie from Monroe, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf190522.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Underarm Odor I have really bad underarm odor. I am very active, eat healthy, and am in high school. I have had this odor for a long time. Please help. By Drusilla from Ontario, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37104898.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Improving Self Confidence I am looking for ways to avoid loosing my cool when my husband tries to find fault with something I do. I know that he is verbally abusive, but I want to avoid the confrontations that make me look weak. What can I do so that I can keep our marriage as happy as it usually is? Should I get involved in activities that will make my self value better? What can I do? By Rae Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42685419.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Kilz Spray Paint on Leather Skirt I was spraying my ceiling with Kilz and didn't protect things properly in my room. As a result, some got on my leather skirt. Is there anyway to get it off? By Linda from Houston, Texas Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35199607.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Coupons for Troops I would like information regarding, coupons for troops. By Gary from Highland, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf128418.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Stain Remover for Old Stains Awhile ago I read a recipe that really worked great for set in stains. It had ammonia and other items. One thing I remember about this recipe is your clothes had to soak a few days. Thanks so much to anybody that has this recipe. By LuAnn C from Grand Blanc, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55967198.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Opening a Singer Magic Steam Press 7 How do I remove the mist adjustment knob so that I can split the cover? By Louis from SA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64916206.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Keeping Clothes Dyed Black From Fading I have some black clothes that I need to dye to get them black again. Once I do, how can I set the color so that it doesn't fade again? By Cricket from Parkton, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39188576.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Gum from Clothing My daughter got chewing gum on her polyester winter coat and its been in the freezer forever. She needs the coat by tomorrow for school. Help? By Denee from Sayre, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf197004.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Embellishing A Wedding Dress I really love this dress, but it's so expensive. I was thinking, maybe I could buy a simple tube/strapless bridal dress from David's bridal outlet for $49.99 and embellish it with tulle, and beads, etc. I want it to look like this picture. Here is the link to the simple dress i am planning to get from David's. I would like it to resemble the one in the picture. any ideas? www.davidsbridal.com By tetmarie from Kansas City Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37761529.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 Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.