Daily Thrifty Tips - January 26, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 17, January 26, 2009 (Read It Online) I hope everyone had a nice weekend. First time homebuyers are often surprised by the many expenses required for the maintenance of your home. Furnace and duct cleaning, yard work, carpet and floor care, cleaning gutters, the list goes on and on. But the cost can be much higher if you don't do these things and then need emergency repair of your furnace in the middle of January. How do you save money on these maintenance tasks? Which ones are essential and which can just be an unnecessary expense. Post your advice here. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23484513.tip.html 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: Craft: Clay Angel Candleholder Craft: Pet Picture Frame Family: Samuel Looks Irish Hendrix At Christmas (Siamese) Emily Louise (Maltese/Pom mix) Today's Tips: Container for Laundry Lint Keep Baby Busy While Changing a Diaper Swiffer Socks Use Empty Toilet Paper Rolls as Hair Rollers Preserve Patterns With Interfacing Use String to Mark Packing Tape End Make a "Heritage" Cookbook Fill Watering Cans When Waiting for Hot Water Sandbox Sand for Your Icy Driveway Getting Every Bit of Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter Joke of the Day New Requests: Using Carpet Padding as Insulation Scratches on Stainless Steel Refrigerator Paying Back Taxes Homemade Laundry Detergent Recommendations for Bread Machines Kenny Roger's Rotisserie Chicken Recommendations for Cheap Face Wash Recipe for Canning Sauerkraut Cheesecake Factory's Pasta DaVici Recipe Uses for Leftover Sugar Cookies Dieting for People Over 40 Discontinued Wallpaper: Roosters #VG8411 and #VG8402B R-1 Buying Banana Box Groceries Wholesale Homemade Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher Splitting Bills with Spouse Removing Grout from Wood Floor Updating Vinyl Accordion Doors Making Baby Wipes Wet Again Reattaching a Pot Lid Handle Removing Paint on Leather Sofa Rustic Outdoors Themed Wedding Paying for College Melting Plastic Containers Backyardigans Themed Birthday Party Using an Epilator Dog is Throwing Up After Eating Room with Honey Colored Parquet Floors Shower Curtain Made from Fabric Scraps Fireplace Smoke in the Basement Information About Shih Tzu Dogs More Reading: Going Organic With Pet Food Saving Money on Valentine's Day 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: Craft: Clay Angel Candleholder This candleholder is made from a terra cotta flower pot and saucer. I have a rubber stamp of the angel, which I pressed into some scrap polymer clay and baked to make a mold. I then pressed terra cotta polymer clay into the mold, cut out the angel and put the pot on its side in the oven, with the angle "fitted" to it, so it had the perfect curve for the pot. I glued everything together (as shown) and spray with polyurethane. By Louise from Center Point, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24798966.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Pet Picture Frame This is a simple cute picture frame that can be used to decorate your home or to be given as a gift. I made a few for my house and gave one as a gift. Approximate Time: 1 hour Supplies: Scrap paper glue modge podge paintbrush paint craft knife wooden picture frame embellishments sponge (or just use your paint brush) wax paper (opt.)w popsicle stick (opt.) glue Instructions: First thing you are going to need is a wooden picture frame, either one laying around the house or one from your local craft store. Take your scrap paper and place your picture frame on top and trace all around the frame and the inside of the frame onto the paper. Then once you have completely traced the outside and inside of your frame, take a craft knife and carefully cut along the lines you've done. When you're all done, the paper should be the same shape as your picture frame. Next you're going to need to chose a color paint that'll match or go good with the scrap paper. When you've found a good color paint, paint your picture frame. Remember to take the glass out and to paint the back. Let the paint completely dry. Once your paint is dry, take the piece of paper you cut out earlier and use some white glue to lightly cover the back of the paper. Then match the corners and stick the paper on your frame. Once your paper is on the frame you can put wax paper over your frame and use a popsicle stick to smooth out any bubbles in the paper. Once you are done smoothing out the paper on top of the frame and its dry, you can go on to paint the edges of your frame. I used a little piece of sponge and dipped it into some paint (the same color paint that was used earlier) and just gently ran it all around the outside edges. I did this to kinda hide the paper edges and to make everything kinda blend well together. Once the paint around your edges has dried, take some modge podge (or watered down glue), and go over your frame to seal and protect the paper. You might want to do a few coats depending on the paper you use. For mine, only one coat was needed. If you use watered down glue, I suggest around 3-4 coats. After the protective coat is on and dried, you can use some little embellishments to add to your picture frame. I found some little wooden cats and dogs to glue onto mine at Michaels for 4/$1. I hope you enjoy this craft project! By Jennie from Las Vegas, NV Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48184382.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Family: Samuel Looks Irish This is my son, Samuel. Believe it or not, his Dad is Spanish! We call him our little Irish/Mexican - hope you enjoy this photo as much as we do. By Stacey from Topeka, KS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87050662.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Hendrix At Christmas (Siamese) Hendrix is eleven years old and a flame point Siamese. I purchased him from a neighbor selling kittens. He likes to play fetch. Jumps high to catch favorite toy and lots of affection. He is a sweet, smart guy. By Hendrix from Frankfort, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43326824.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Emily Louise (Maltese/Pom mix) Emily Louise is a 4 year old maltese/pom mix. She only weighs 6 ponds, but protects me like she weighs 300! I rescued her 3 years ago from a breeder. After she had 2 litters for them but both sets of puppies died, they didn't want her anymore. They were going to let her die. My baby likes playing with her bone and wrestling with my husband. She loves to cuddle and even though she is tiny she can eventually get everyone else off of the couch so it is just her and I. Make sure if you go to a breeder, they are not just turning the dogs into puppy factories for money. That puppy factory might just turn out to be the most loyal and lovable little creature you'd ever know! By Nikki from Piqua, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91534810.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | 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: Container for Laundry Lint I use the large coffee containers as a trash can to collect lint from my dryer. It is large enough to collect a lot, and allows the lint to compress without breaking the container. The plastic does not scratch or make noise if the dryer vibrates, it has a sealing lid, and when it is full you can either dump the lint into the trash can, or use another coffee container. It also doubles as a place to contain items which are pointy or sharp that would normally cut through a trash bag. (razors, tooth picks, used pencils and the like.) I do not normally purchase the large coffee size, so I use the coffee containers from church which are abundant. Also with the sealing lid I can mix coffee, I prefer with the cheaper coffee. This keeps me from finding another container to place the coffee. By Redbeard from Tampa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68427465.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keep Baby Busy While Changing a Diaper Keep your baby busy while you change their diaper! This is so easy. When my son was a baby, I would give him a toy to occupy him, making it easy to change the diaper. He had his mind on the toy, and it made my job a lot easier without all of that wiggling. Try it and see! Source: My mother. By Karen from Union, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91995625.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Swiffer Socks In 10th grade, we chose to do an invention using Swiffers. I want you to take a minute and think about this... SWIFFER SOCKS. It is an invention to take the original dust cloth to the next level. With it's snug fit under your feet, it will allow you to go in hard to reach places without straining your back. Just imagine an elderly lady is cleaning her floor and she can't bend down. Instead of risking hurting her back, she just throws on the those socks, and she's done in no time. The curvature of your feet, enables you to reach the places that the original Swiffer could never get at. Some of the many benefits to the Swiffer socks is it is fast to clean up and easy to take off the Swiffer pads when you're done. Also, there are two different types of pad to clean up. One is for cleaning dust and one is for cleaning wet spills. The last benefit is it comes with certain techniques to make your cleaning a lot easier. Tell me what you think? Connor F. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37775441.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use Empty Toilet Paper Rolls as Hair Rollers You can actually use empty toilet paper rolls to roll your hair. If you have shoulder length or longer hair, empty toilet paper rolls work perfectly. I have waist length natural curly, and wavy hair. I use toilet paper rolls to roll my dry hair. I use bobbie pins, or clips to hold in place. I leave it up for about an hour. When I unroll it, I have fuller, smoother, flowing hair, with soft curls at the bottom. Works great for me! Source: I save empty toilet paper rolls for recycling. I decided to try them as hair curlers one day and it worked great. I use them all the time now. By Brenda from Tupelo, MS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57609332.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Preserve Patterns With Interfacing There are just those classic patterns that you love but for some reason discontinued by the companies. When I find patterns that I really like and want to keep for reuse, I use medium weight non fusable interfacing and trace the pattern on it. Cut it out, label it in a zip lock bag and put away with the original pattern envelope. This copy repeatedly takes pinning after pinning and if necessary can be fix with any kind of tape. Make sure you mark the instructions, notches, etc as the original pattern piece has on it as well as the SIZE. I have made patterns from the 1970's here in 2008 in this manner. By Joyce from Benson MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63610066.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Use String to Mark Packing Tape End If you find it hard to locate the end on packing or strapping tape, place a thin ribbon or string under the last portion where you removed tape from roll. Next time it's easy to just lift and use. No more picking and searching for beginning of roll. By apeters from Northampton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32116709.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Make a "Heritage" Cookbook When the family sits down to a favorite recipe, there's a special love there. When the recipe belongs to a departed Grandparent, the love multiplies. One year I took all of my Husband's Mother's favorite recipes, my Mother's favorite recipes and my Father's favorite recipes (Dad had a number that were special just to him) and typed them on my computer. Then I printed off each recipe and put them in a 3-ring binder. I put sections in the cookbook under each Grandparent to make it easy to find special recipes. I titled this cookbook "Heritage Cookbook Made Special for (and I inserted one of my kids' names)". Now each child has a cookbook with her name on the front. When they miss one of their grandparents, they can create a favorite recipe and have Grandma or Grandpa for dinner. The books weren't expensive to make (unless you figure in the time). Each of my four girls has treasured her cookbook above any other present I've given them over the years. Because my girls treasure their cookbooks so much, I strongly encourage you to save all the family recipes before they are lost forever. By Bobbie from Mesa, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49348550.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Fill Watering Cans When Waiting for Hot Water We have an instant on demand water heater, so while waiting for the cold water to run out of the pipes, instead of just letting it run, I put my flower watering pots on the counter and fill them until the water gets hot. I've saved energy by not having a water heater running constantly and conserved water by using the cold water for watering plants. By Sandy from Elon, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47795967.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sandbox Sand for Your Icy Driveway Every year, I replace the sand in my daughter's turtle sand box because it gets leaves and pine needles from the yard, but I thought there should be something else I can use this sand for. Then I thought, in late October in Maine it is beginning to get cold and we are all stocking up on salt for icy driveways and walk ways. I started mixing half salt and half sandbox sand in the big kitty litter buckets. Sprinkle on with a cup when needed and this has been working great got us. 2 bags of sand at the beginning of spring, a summer of fun for a 4 year old, then safe walking during the winter for our family. Boy I guess I got my money's worth for that sand. By Debbie from Maine Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35547183.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Every Bit of Crazy Richard's Peanut Butter We love Crazy Richards peanut butter, even though it's a bit pricey. Plus, we re-use the plastic peanut butter jars and lids. (Our workbench area is stunning. :D) Ever try getting that last bit of your favorite PB out of the jar? Take a few crackers and crumble them in your hand. Put them all into the jar and mix it around the sides and bottom with a long spoon or butter knife. Use same spoon to eat & enjoy! Pop in dishwasher set on "normal wash" and you're done. Source: Just popped into my brain. :D By Jane from Baltimore Maryland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32266840.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day A Policeman recently stopped a woman for exceeding the posted speed limit. He asked the driver her name. She said, "I'm Mrs. Ladislav Abdulkhashim Zybkcicraznovskaya from the Republic of Uzbekistan visiting my daughter in Columbia." The cop put away his summons book and pen, and said, "Well, uhhh, ok, but don't let me catch you speeding again." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Using Carpet Padding as Insulation We are pulling up the carpet and padding in our house and replacing it with wood flooring. We have been wanting to put additional insulation in our attic and came up with the idea to spread the carpet padding in the attic over the existing insulation. Before we do this, I thought I'd ask if this might be a bad idea for some reason. Peggy from Yulan, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11910975.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Scratches on Stainless Steel Refrigerator I have a stainless steel refrigerator and it has some fine scratches on the door. How can I remove them? Jude from Saltville, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28915655.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Paying Back Taxes So I was self employed for 2 summers making about $7000 each summer while I was in high school and I never paid in the taxes I was supposed to. This year I worked for two other employers making about $10,000 from one place and $2-3000 from the other place. Is the government going to keep my tax return to help credit it to what I owe? Or will they not notice and send me back money any ways? The 1st of my two summers being self employed I only received the tax papers to fill out for the 1st year, the second year I received nothing? Can someone please help me, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much. Bria from MDI, Maine Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf37645384.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Homemade Laundry Detergent I have lost my instructions for making homemade laundry detergent. Please help? Thanks. Nelwyn from Bunkie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67454146.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recommendations for Bread Machines I want to buy a bread machine. I have done some research online, but wanted to know if anyone had any recommendations? Teri from IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52705306.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Kenny Roger's Rotisserie Chicken Does anyone have the recipe for Kenny Roger's rotisserie chicken. They are no longer around here. Rae from NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42845079.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recommendations for Cheap Face Wash I need info on a good, cheap face wash. I am 31 and I have big pores and blackheads. I also wear makeup daily foundation, eye shadow, etc. Please help. Christina from Tyler, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50683281.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Recipe for Canning Sauerkraut I need a recipe for canning sauerkraut. Margaret from Ontario, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90502032.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cheesecake Factory's Pasta DaVici Recipe Does anyone have a recipe for Pasta DaVinci from the Cheesecake Factory? Maria from Lakeville, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15566096.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Uses for Leftover Sugar Cookies I over did it on sugar cookies this year and I have so many left. I hate to throw them away, so does anyone have any suggestions on how to use them in other recipes. Thanks! Kim from Jopp, MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76467208.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dieting for People Over 40 Almost every magazine, newspaper, internet site, etc. has advice about dieting. Does anybody in their late 40's early 50's have any favorable reviews on any that are out there or have tried anything on their own that works? Marie from MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89120979.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Discontinued Wallpaper: Roosters #VG8411 and #VG8402B R-1 I am in need of a discontinued wallpaper from 2004. The company is in New York and the pattern is #VG8411. I need 2-3 double rolls. The Border is #VG8402B R-1. I have enough of the border. The theme is roosters. Catherine Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96670171.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Buying Banana Box Groceries Wholesale I am looking for a reclamation center in Nebraska or Colorado to buy banana box groceries wholesale. Curt from North Platte, Nebraska Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96348282.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Homemade Automatic Tennis Ball Launcher I'm looking for ideas on how to make an automatic tennis ball launcher. I've checked out buygodoggo.com, and I love their automatic launcher, but there's no way I'm spending $300! I've read things online about potato guns and tennis ball cannons, but I don't want something that can shoot at 100mph or anything. Any ideas? Tee from VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68559338.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Splitting Bills with Spouse Should a wife who earns more than her husband be willing to pay some of the bills. My wife says that because I'm the man, I'm solely responsible for paying the bills. I earn about 40% of our family income, but I pay about 90% of our expenses. Am I reasonable to expect more from her? Noah from GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82370625.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Grout from Wood Floor How do you remove grout from wood floor that had ceramic tile on it? Jackie from Tell City, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34664774.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Updating Vinyl Accordion Doors I have vinyl accordion doors in my kitchen which separate the laundry area. They are in excellent condition but I would like to update them with something organic. I was thinking about decoupaging rice paper or gluing bamboo or even painting. Any ideas? Thank you! Victoria from Novato, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21972259.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making Baby Wipes Wet Again What liquid should I add to a dried out baby wipes container? Roz from Victoria, BC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57780799.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Reattaching a Pot Lid Handle I have a pot lid made of fairly thin stainless steel. This morning while washing the lid, its handle popped off. It appears to have had two simple spot welds holding the handle to the lid. How might I reattach the handle rather than throwing the whole thing away. It has a large insert for cooking and draining pasta and a steamer too. The cheapest welder would charge $35, which is much more than its original cost. Micky Lee from San Francisco, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72539056.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Paint on Leather Sofa I accidentally got a small amount of paint on my Grey leather couch. It is a very fine spray and the paint was acrylic latex. George from Toronto, Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59145333.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Rustic Outdoors Themed Wedding My oldest son is getting married 2-14-2009, and has requested that I do the food. The theme is rustic/outdoors including turkey hunting decor. I have the menu of BBQ pork, slaw, tater salad, hot wings, shrimp, fruit and veggie trays. What I need are rustic/thrifty ideas to serve this food on. This is not a traditional wedding, the couple has requested guest to "come as you are". Any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks to all. Tammy from Hohenwald, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99616598.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Paying for College I need suggestions for how to pay for college. Ann from Houston, Tx Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33131902.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Melting Plastic Containers Does anyone know how to safely melt plastics to recycle them? I once visited a class in a California high school that was doing that. They cut up and melted down milk jugs and poured them into molds for little games. Then they sold the games to raise money to finance more equipment for their class. I think that would be fun, maybe 2 liter soda bottles, too? Coreen from Rupert, ID Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56141143.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Backyardigans Themed Birthday Party I am on a budget and need low cost easy ideas for my son's 1st birthday. His theme will be the Backyardigans. I need help. Annie from San Jose, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54449211.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using an Epilator My partner bought me an Epilator for Christmas but I'm scared to use it as I have heard it is very painful. If anyone has any tips on how to diminish a little of the pain that would be great. Thanks. Joanne from England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94021008.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dog is Throwing Up After Eating I have a 1 year old poodle who has just recently started throwing up her food quite often. I have tried different dog food, changing her water bowl and giving her small amounts at a time, several times a day. Nothing seems to help. Any suggestions? She seems fine otherwise, very active and playful. She does gobble her food like she was starving no matter how much she has. Help! Judi from Peru, IN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88591693.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Room with Honey Colored Parquet Floors I'm moving into a new apartment with honey-colored parquet floors and I don't know how to decorate to complement/minimize these floors. Traditionally, I have always had dark wood furniture. Can I somehow decorate to minimize the clash between the two wood tones? Do I need to re-think my furniture (ie: paint it all white or visit Ikea?). What about wall colors? I've tried doing a "decor storyboard" but every color I combine with the honey looks bad. I'm also in the market for a new couch. I can't decide what color I should go for. I thought about white but it might be to hard to care for. I've always wanted a red couch, but my sister says the red will make the floor look more orange. Maybe something more neutral like sage or taupe. Can anyone advise? EmilyRose from Canada Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78301689.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Shower Curtain Made from Fabric Scraps I would like some ideas for making a shower curtain using scrap fabric (like the country heart pins). I love the country theme. I am looking for something semi-simple. Any suggestions would be great! Crystal from Zebulon, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72665451.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Fireplace Smoke in the Basement Why do I get smoke in my basement fireplace whenever I start a fire in my first floor fireplace? Mike from Pittsburgh, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42512656.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Information About Shih Tzu Dogs My family and I are just about to get a Shih Tzu puppy but I really would like more information about the breed. How big do they get? How long do they live? How often do they need to be groomed? Are they good with other dogs and children? It would be a great help if you could answer these questions! Thanks. Alauna Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77669943.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print 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: Going Organic With Pet Food By Ellen Brown When it comes to human health, few people would argue that a healthy diet plays an important role in longevity and overall quality of life. The same can be said for the health of our companion animals. A surge in organic and natural consumer goods has started to spill over into pet products. And while feeding organic food may not guarantee your pet lives happy and healthy forever, it certainly can help increase the overall quality of their life. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16063410.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Saving Money on Valentine's Day Tips for saving money on Valentine's Day as suggested from the ThriftyFun community. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82475439.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Interactive Coupon Swap! Swap coupons with other ThriftyFun.com users. Seed Swap! Swap seeds with other ThriftyFun.com users.