November 12, 2009

Daily Thrifty Tips - November 12, 2009


Vol. 8, Num. 222, November 12, 2009 (Read It Online)

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Today's newsletter contains:

Today's Photos:

Today's Tips:

Joke of the Day

New Requests:

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Today's Photos:

Tea Gift Basket

Gift Baskets include:

  • 2 cup ceramic teapot
  • 2 boxes herb tea
  • 1 jar clover honey
  • 2 hand knitted dish cloths
  • 2 homemade hot mitts
  • 1 homemade oven towel
I made a matching set of hot mitts and oven towel to match the color of the teapot.

By MCW from Lewiston, NY

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Tea Gift Basket

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Scenery: Scottish Clootie

We visited this 'Clootie' Well when we were on holiday. A 'clootie or cloot' in Scotland is a cloth. Legend has it that if you or someone you know has an illness, you hang a cloth of theirs at the well and they should get better. As you can see, many people have tried this ancient remedy! This was only a fraction of the cloths all around the well. They varied from sweatshirts, dresses, scarves and even pants!Legend also has it that if you remove one of the cloths, then you take on that person's affliction!

Source: Photograph I took near Munlochy in the Black Isle, Scotland

By Marion from Scotland

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Scenery: Scottish Clootie

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Nikki (Chow Chow/Golden Retriever)

Nikki is 12 years old 5 months old. My dog is a mix of Chow Chow and Golden Retriever. i adopted my Nikki at the north shore animal shelter 12 years ago. She likes to take walks on the beach, hiking and playing with her toys.

My dog Nikki is my little angel, she come into my life when I needed it the most. I had pets all my life, but Nikki is a special dog, so loving, caring, loyal and gentle with children although protective.

By Maria from Winthrop, MA

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Nikki (Chow Chow/Golden Retriever)

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Squeeky (Schnauzer/Terrier)

Squeeky is approximately 18 months old. He is Schnauzer / Terrier mix. We adopted Squeeky from Miss Linda's Dogs for Adoption at the end of August. Someone had left him on the steps of a rescue foster home. After they approved our application, he traveled in a converted horse trailer all the way from Tennessee to a Park and Ride here in New England, where we picked him up in the driving rain left over from Hurricane Danny.

Squeeky loves to chase and retrieve tennis balls; we were delighted to learn that someone has already taught him the "leave" command. As you can see from the photo, our two cats, Tigger Toes and Kit Kat, are keeping an eye on his every move! But it's been an absolute joy having him join our home.

By NatashaLee from New England

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Squeeky (Schnauzer/Terrier)

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Contests:

These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!

Today's Tips:

Cleaning Smelly Socks

I keep a glass jar by the sink for my 8 year old daughter's really grimy socks. I quickly rinse the socks out in water and then put them in the jar with dish washing detergent like Dawn and really hot tap water. I am trying the bleach alternative dawn right now. I shake it up and and let it sit all day or for a few hours depending on how dirty they are.

I empty the jar leaving the socks in and fill it with hot water and rinse twice. Then I pull them out and rinse in cold water. I might have to scrub a very little bit and the grime comes out. I squeeze excess water out and dry on a peg by the window. They come out so clean.

I will not use regular laundry detergent because it is so harsh on my hands. The socks have never been whiter, and it is so easy to get them done in a hurry this way. Also when they are strewn around the house I just put one in at a time and wash it this way and then hang it up, before long I will have another one and walla! There is a match. I have heard vinegar in the soap helps, haven't tried that yet.

Blessings

Source: My obsession to get socks cleaner.

By Robyn Fed from Hampton TN

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Keep a Phone Book in the Car

I put my old or extra telephone books in my car. It's always handy for phone numbers, addresses, most have maps and even coupons. If I have room I put one in my suit case when traveling.

By Jackie from North Powder, OR

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Link: Find Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Find free Wi-Fi Hotspots all over the world.

I'm sharing a website I read about which lists worldwide free Wi-Fi hotspots. It is:

Pretty cool site!

Source: My local newspaper

By truerblue from PA

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Cleaning Crayon Out of a Dryer

Okay I've just experienced the crayon in the dryer and tried a few of the ones mentioned, but I remembered we just brought a product called Spray Nine. It is for cleaning marina items (environmentally friendly) and does a great job. Well, it did one heck of job cleaning the inside of dryer without having to worry about the enamel being ruined or anything else. Terrific :) Remove all the crayon and even marks that were there from something else.

By Geri from Jax Beach, FL

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Sponge Eyeshadow Applicator for Cleaning Keyboard

I have found the best item for cleaning around keys on the computer. A clean, sponge eyeshadow applicator. I always have extras of these (I use brushes instead). I like them because they hold up much better than Q tips, and they can get into the little crevices. I dampen mine a tad and boy it really gets the crud up! When you are done, you can almost roll the fuzzies off of the applicator and it can be reused.

By Joynchocolate

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Using a Glove on Either Your Right or Left Hand

I turn the glove inside out, if it is the wrong hand. It helps to put flour or powder on your hand to make it go on easy. I always have more of left hand gloves left without holes than right hand.

By Kathleen from Dothan, AL

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Use a Timer With Your Heated Blanket

I have an electric mattress pad that I put on a timer - goes on at midnight and off at 9 A.M. Bed is nice and warm to crawl into, and is cooling off as I wake up. No more forgetting to shut it off after I get up.

Source: Tired of high electric bill from not shutting it off.

By Joandogs from Norwell, MA

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Homemade Degreaser

A natural and inexpensive degreaser is to keep white vinegar, water and perhaps a drop of dish detergent in a spray bottle. This is handy to keep in the kitchen but can be used in any room.

By Carla from Huntington, WV

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Dear Webby's Joke of the Day

Our business professor was lecturing about different ways to bill customers. He asked, "Who can give me an example of a system where you are billed before you actually receive your goods?"

One student piped up, "Tuition!"

Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor

New Requests:

2 Year Old Birthday Party Ideas

Does anyone have any ideas for a 2 year old boy's birthday party and presents?

By Mckell from Lafayette, IN

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Dog Urine Smell on Hardwood Floors

I am trying to remove set in dog urine from old hardwood floors. It has been set in for a period of time. I have tried mopping with several things, nothing has helped. I now have a newborn who is staying with head congestion. I think this may be why. After I get this problem smell gone for good, I want to put down new floor covering. If anyone can tell me how to rid this smell for good it is appreciated. Thanks.

By Stephanie from LA

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Graduation Gift Ideas for Boyfriend

It's my boyfriend's year 12 graduation next Wednesday and I would like to buy him a present. Does anyone have any ideas?

By Lauren from Queensland

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Painting Bathroom Faucets

I would like to change my outdated gold bath faucets, showerhead, etc. in my bathroom. Are there companies that will change them to black? Or is there a way to paint them? I hate to throw out perfectly good fixtures.

By Cathy

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Removing Sharpie from a Couch

My daughter used a Sharpie marker on my couch. Any ideas on how to remove this?

By Jaime from Plain City, OH

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Scratches on Leather Furniture

I am looking for advice on cleaning leather furniture and removing scratches.

By Angie from Tulsa, OK

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Office Chair Damaged Wood Floor

I have wood floors in my dining room that we now use for an office with a roller chair. The chair started to dull and seemed to whiten my floor. We bought a plastic floor mat to solve the problem, but the marks are still there. Any suggestions on how to restore the floor and keep this from happening again? The floors are not old, 4 years and pre-finished.

By Kim from Boerne, TX

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Restoring Shine to Linoleum and Vinyl Flooring

How do I bring back the shine to a linoleum floor that has faded, because of dirt and grime? How about a vinyl floor? I have cleaned with with different cleaners to no avail.

By Mitch from Corona, CA

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Cleaning Fragrance Lamp Wicks

How do I clean the wicks to my fragrance lamps? I the ones with the stone attached to the cord.

By Leeann from Eufaula, OK

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Sofa Pillows Sagging

How to fluff sagging leather sofa pillows?

By Catherine from Moss Point, MS

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Older Dog Frightened and Aggressive with New Puppy

I have an 8-year-old Yorkie who is very friendly with people, but terrified of the frisky 4-month-old puppy my adult daughter (who lives with us) recently acquired.

The puppy continually jumps on the Yorkie, trying to get him to play, but he either runs away from her, or barks and snaps at her. I've tried holding him when he's calm, and bringing her near so he can sniff. How can I encourage him to accept her as a companion?

By Mary

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Electronic Ignition on Oven Not Working

No electronic ignition sound-oven doesn't light. What do I do?

By K OLeary from New Haven, NY

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Recommendations for Mattresses

I've had one bad experience after another with beds over the last 5 years. I'm tired of them bowing and I end up in a valley every morning with pain in my hips and legs. I've tried Simmons and Stearns & Foster. The best beds I sleep in are always in hotels.

I've got a Serta Vera Wang bed coming tomorrow and I've added a featherbed, a split foundation and the best down pillows and bed spread money can buy, all to help me get some sleep. If this don't work, I don't know what will. Can anyone comment as to the best beds they have found? Thanks in advance.

By Jim from NV

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Removing Car Grease Stains From Clothing

When cleaning mechanic's uniforms where they wipe their greasy hands; what kind of detergent is supposed to be used?

By Zack from Chicago, IL

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Refinishing an Oak Table

What is the best and easiest way to refinish a fairly new oak table?

By Diana from Temecula, CA

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How Difficult is Faux Painting on Laminate Counter Tops

How do I faux paint a counter top?

By Mary from Roscoe, PA

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Problem With Little Red Bugs

I have little red bugs in my kitchen since I got new cabinets. Please help me. How can I get rid of these bugs? Are they harmful?

By Arun from Hamilton, NJ

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How to Rid the Yard of Parvo, Can You Get It More Than Once?

We had 3 puppies get parvo about 4 months ago they all died, what do I need to do to my yard to make it safe for a new puppy?

By Angeia from Gridley, CA

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Removing Agitator from Kenmore Model 110 Top Loader

I have a Kenmore top loading washer, model number 110. How do you take off the agitator?

By Francisco from Fresno

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Theme for Song Celebrating Church's Anniversary

I'm looking for suggestions for a "theme"' for a song to be performed by children on our Church Anniversary.

By Peter from UAE

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Bleach Stain on Leather

How do I fix bleached leather? Can I color it in?

By kwatts

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Removing Jelly Stains from Carpet

I need to know how I can get jelly out of my carpet. Our neighbor's 1 year old daughter got a hold of my daughter's pb&j sandwich. Thank you in advance.

By Janice from Illinois

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Cleaning Patent Leather

I have a patent leather bag that attracts marks and discoloration just being stored. How can I clean the marks and prevent this from happening in the future?

Thank you.

By Carol from Bonsall, CA

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Painting Laminate Furniture

My daughter has recently purchased a home where the previous owners left a couple of cheap bookcases. These would be handy for storage in any one of a number of areas, but probably mostly in her daughters' play room.

She was asking what she might be able to do to give them a better look. I don't think that they are wood, but some kind of laminate over pressed wood. Can she paint them? Or are there decals or something that would stick to them to dress them up a bit? Please give me your ideas.

By Wondernana from Clovis, CA

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Removing Ink From a Document

I would like to know how to remove ink from a document.

By Kevin from Vancouver

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Christmas Float Ideas Honoring the Military

Any ideas for a Christmas parade float honoring the military?

By Nancy from FL

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Finding a Reasonably Priced Wedding Venue and Caterer

My fiance and I would love to have a beautiful, elegant, evening wedding on an $8,000 dollar budget. My dress, shoes, and jewelry are already paid for. The bridesmaids' dresses and shoes they will be purchasing themselves. My mother and I are pretty artistic so we plan to create the centerpieces for the reception site. So these things we are not including in the budget.

Most venues we've with checked only work with certain caterers and they are ridiculously priced. Does anyone have any ideas as to where we can find a venue and caterer that will not break the bank?

By K from Columbia, MD

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Spa Water is Foaming

How can I keep my spa water from foaming?

By Karen

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Suggestions for White Hair Other Than Dyeing

My hair is nearly 100% white in front with streaks of dirty blonde throughout the crown and back. I don't mind grey, but the white around the front makes me look tired and washed out.

I've been dying blonde for years and I want to stop. What would you do about the white in front? My hairdresser suggested lowlights, but I also cannot afford the cost. What are the other senior ladies doing with their hair?

By Betty from Lubbock, TX

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Why Do Dogs Scoot Their Bottoms Across the Floor?

Why do dogs scoot their bottom across the floor? I was told once that this means they have worms, but I am not sure about that. If you aren't sure what I am referring to, remember the commercial where the lady just cleaned her carpet and then their dog comes in and scoots across the floor? Can this behavior be stopped?

By Connie from Smithville, TN

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