Daily Thrifty Tips - October 22, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 207, October 22, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have a question for the ThriftyFun Community? Share it here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_request.ldml?email_source=newsletter Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and photos that you like. Your ratings are used to pick the 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: Wildlife: Deer Earlie (Bichon Frise) Barkley (Pointer,Lab) and Petey (Boxer Mix) Halloween: Farmer Costume (Wheelchair) Today's Tips: Witch Hazel and Tea For Facial Astringent Keeping Pets Out of Cupboards Signed Bookplates for Special Gifts Importance of Using a Potty Chair When Potty Training Extending the Life of SOS Pads Homemade Ant Deterrent Dryer Sheet for Tub Cleaner Halloween: Movie Theater Floor Costume Joke of the Day New Requests: Inexpensive Vet Care Near Baldwin, NY Homemade Everyday Cleaners Using Bleach in a Humidifier Make Your Own Cat Litter College and NFL Team Decals Drains are Gurgling Chlorine Bleach Alternatives Uses for One Shoes Cleaning Stained Bathroom Tile Grout Garage Sale Items for Gift Exchanges Flipper Teeth Kits Pattern for PVC Birds Fig and Olive Fragrance Recycling Spray Deodorant Cans Rubbing Alcohol for Pet Odors on Carpet Cleaning a Wedding Dress Homemade Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator Advice For Puppy That Isn't Eating Shower Cleaning Tips Determining the Value of Antique Doll Remote Garage Door Opener Not Working Stained Glass Window Film Removing Ink from a Comforter Retro Decor Ideas The Making of Cobalt Blue Glass More Reading: Boo to You! An Adult Halloween Party 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: Wildlife: Deer 3 mid size deer across from my house the first spring/summer I was here. They were frightened off by an approaching car and jumped the fence into the pasture beyond. 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/tf44731149.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Earlie (Bichon Frise) Earlie is a six year old Bichon Frise who loves the Canadian winters. I got Earlie in October of 2003. Earlie is mostly spoiled, but for a small creature, she does honestly love to roll in the snow. When the spring arrives. it's off fishing with me in my small boat. What more can one ask? A true friend and companion indeed. Earlie is an extension of our family who does have her place. A gift and then some. By Rob from Ontario Canada Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79393412.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Barkley (Pointer,Lab) and Petey (Boxer Mix) Barkley is 10 years old and a pointer/lab mix and Petey is 10 weeks old and a boxer mix. Barkley was adopted from the San Diego County Animal Shelter. Petey was a gift from my best friend in PA. They like to swim at the beach! This was Petey's first visit to our local Dog Beach in Ocean Beach/ San Diego. Barkley is an avid swimmer and decided that little Petey needed some help getting back to shore, so he swam over to him, grabbed his leash and literally towed him in to shore. He kept on pulling until Petey was all the way up on the dry sand! It was stunning and hilarious to watch. He wasn't taught to do it, he just loves to tug and pull on anything with a rope, (including my son on his boogie board when he was 10 years old.) Now Petey has a friend for life when he goes swimming! By DNapolitan from San Diego, CA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18639763.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: Farmer Costume (Wheelchair) A large painted cardboard box is all you need! My husband is paralyzed and said that he couldn't wear a Halloween costume. But, wheelchairs can make a great costume. Supplies: Cardboard Box Paint: Green, Brown, Yellow and Black Straw Hat Wheels Wooden Rod to connect the wheels Instructions: I made my husband's farmer costume by painting the box to resemble a tractor, put some wheels on the front of the box. ( His wheelchair provided the back wheels.) He wore a farm hat and he was ready to greet trick or treaters on the front porch! Our Granddaughter thought it was a great idea. Who says the disabled can't have fun at Halloween, too? The possibilities are endless! By Vguy from Earle, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42869964.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | 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: Witch Hazel and Tea For Facial Astringent After I brew some green tea, I put the warm tea bags in a bowl and douse them with witch hazel which helps cool them off. I then put them on my face for a few minutes. It's a great natural astringent, and it brightens my face instantly. Source: Tried it on a hunch. I knew they worked separately, so why not together? By Dorinmoz from Sugar Land, TX Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88947512.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Keeping Pets Out of Cupboards My cat knows where the food is kept and is always trying to get inside. If it weren't for the child-locks left on the cupboards by the previous owner, he'd weigh double what he does! It's like watching a toddler, he gets into everything! Thank goodness for these child-safety latches! 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/tf46320769.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Signed Bookplates for Special Gifts A lot of authors will send you signed bookplates when you send them a self addressed stamped envelope (use 2 stamps). Also include the name for the inscription. I gave several of these personalized bookplates as Christmas gifts one year. It was a hit and for the cost of several postage stamps, it made for an extra special gift. You can find out if an author does do this by checking their website or sending them an email. By Manxkity from Bay Area California Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82321183.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Importance of Using a Potty Chair When Potty Training This is a potty training tip. I never realized the importance of using a potty chair. My nephew was taught to use a regular toilet, not a potty chair. As he grew older, he was having trouble moving his bowels. His mother, thought nothing of it, and assumed he would eventually grow out of it as kids sometimes do. In fact, her younger twins were fine "going potty" on their own chairs without having any issues. He would sit and sit without any bowel activity. Once he did relieve himself, the movement was hard and not normal in size. His diet was fine, he ate plenty of vegetables, fruit, and high fiber. His mother was getting frustrated thinking he was "holding back" and causing his own discomfort. Also, the toilet he used was often becoming clogged. They had a plumber come and he could not find anything wrong with the toilet. When he was six, she finally talked to the pediatrician hoping for some advice about curing his emotional problem with moving his bowels. She was surprised at what she was told. As a child learns to potty train, their feet should have leverage, they should not hang. There are special muscles that "push out" bowel movements. Pushing down on your feet help develop these muscles. Since my nephew never used these muscles because his feet would hang, they never developed properly. This made it physically difficult for him. His mother was so upset that all this time she felt it was him, never knowing it was a physical problem. She was given exercises for him to do so he could develop the muscles. After a few months, he is getting better. She was told that a child should use a stool for their feet if they do not use a potty chair. This way they have leverage when they "go". I have never heard of this but I have known many other children who have had this trouble and wonder if that was their problem. I hope this helps anyone who is in process of potty training their children. Source: My niece By mkymlp from NE PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13769718.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Extending the Life of SOS Pads For many years I have been extending the life of SOS cleaning pads. (You know, sometimes you just have to use them on some things). The very first thing I do is get one of my recycled small plastic containers, one that has a good lid, and is big enough to easily cover the SOS pad. Fill it nearly full with very warm water. Then place the SOS pad in the water and squeeze a few times, getting some of the thick goo into the water. Go ahead and use the scrubber for whatever you need to do, then put it in the plastic container, making sure it is submerged in the water, then put the lid on, and leave it for the next time you need to clean a pan that just won't respond to anything less. If the SOS is used up in one or two uses, and the liquid is still pretty clean, don't dump it, just add a bit of water, and start the next pad in it when it is needed. Source: I don't recall any source, unless it was my dear mom, who would even wash used aluminum foil and reuse it, more than once. 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/tf38643451.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Homemade Ant Deterrent To get rid of ants, sprinkle wood ashes or add 1 Tbsp. ground garlic to 1 litre of water and spray. By Dorty from SA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf855614.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dryer Sheet for Tub Cleaner Use dryer sheets to scrub the tub. Wet the tub down, and use an already used dryer sheet. For tough rings, you can use an unused sheet. It works so good. Source: Killed a bug in the tub, and had dryer sheet in hand. I realized how good it worked. By Moonseekerjade Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14552961.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: Movie Theater Floor Costume Materials Assorted movie theater size boxes of candy (WalMart has them for $1 ea.) 1 large plastic drink cup from a fast food restaurant w/straw Bubble gum Other hard candy and wrappers Instructions: Cut the glass down the middle and hot glue upside down to shirt sleeve between elbow and wrist. Cover and all and add a straw to each "cup." I also glued glass "rocks" falling out of the cup for "ice". Glue open empty candy boxes to shirt (front and back) and glue candy spilling from them too. I also mashed some of the candy before gluing it on. Chew some of the gum and then glue to shirt. Pop some popcorn and add that also. I made 2 construction paper ticket stub and turned them into earrings. The top to this was a headband I bought for $1 and glued candy, paper, etc. to it. I wish I had a pic of this as it is hard to describe everything but I don't. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I wore the sweatshirt, a pair of black pants and came home with a cute little prize for my efforts! I love Halloween! Source: Got the basic idea from a friend who read about it online. I added my own touches to it. By Chris from Oshkosh, WI Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46457159.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Jimmmie came home from school one day, all banged up, bloodied, and bruised. His father asked him what happened and Jimmie said, "Well, dad, it's like this. I challenged Larry to a duel and you know how that goes . . . I gave him his choice of weapons." "Uh huh," said the father. "That seems fair." "I know . . . but I never thought he'd choose his sister!" Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Inexpensive Vet Care Near Baldwin, NY I am a new pet owner and I am looking for inexpensive vet care in my area. By Kathy from Baldwin (Long Island), NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24804918.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Homemade Everyday Cleaners I want to learn how to make everyday cleaners to stretch money. By Mary from Greenup, KY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39080712.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Using Bleach in a Humidifier Is it harmful to add bleach to the water in your humidifier? By Kim from Leominster, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63861712.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Make Your Own Cat Litter How do you make clumping cat litter? By Andy from US Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90658114.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | College and NFL Team Decals Does anyone know where to get college and NFL team decals for decorative glass blocks? Also, is there a template to purchase to custom design schools? By Bri from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31004761.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Drains are Gurgling What causes a sink to gurgle when draining? When the tub or sink is draining, the sink will gurgle. It didn't do this before and we are not having a problem with the drains as of yet. We have lived in an old rental home for a few years. I have cleaned the drains to both the tub and the sink using the baking soda and vinegar method. I normally do this on occasion. Should there be a concern? Thank you. By Mike from NE PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89872092.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Chlorine Bleach Alternatives I have tried using hydrogen peroxide as a non-chlorine bleach. But my whites were not as white as I thought they would be. What else can I try? By Glenda from Arlington, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28046459.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Uses for One Shoes I am looking for uses for one shoe. By Deepika from Haryana, India Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11304073.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning Stained Bathroom Tile Grout My entire shower is tiled, ceiling and all. There is a residue, hard water stains (?) that turns pinkish and responds to over the counter and home-made cleaners. However, the ceiling tile grout turns dark gray and nothing I've tried gets it clean. I've already tried baking soda, Borax, Scrubbing Bubbles, Comet, BonAmi, Melaluca stuff, Brillo, and Magic Erasers. Aside from straight bleach, what else should I try? I usually look like someone from HazMat when cleaning the ceiling. I would prefer something not harmful to children and pets. By HamptonHeron from Hampton Rds., VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf87996792.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Garage Sale Items for Gift Exchanges I belong to clubs that have Christmas gift exchanges. This year I started buying gifts at yard sales etc. Better gifts than I could buy new for the cost limit. I bought some beautiful crystal in a name brand box, and box shows some age. I prefer to gift wrap it in the box. Does anyone have an idea on how to carry this off without announcing it came from a yard sale. I would appreciate your advice good or negative on this subject. Thanks. By BJ from MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26909527.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Flipper Teeth Kits How do you get teeth flippers? By Tonia from Hardwick, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf28328742.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Pattern for PVC Birds I am looking for a pattern for PVC birds. By Mike from Piedmont, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21413286.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Fig and Olive Fragrance I am looking for fig and olive fragrance. By Janie from Sydney, Australia Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54821502.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Recycling Spray Deodorant Cans Can spray deodorant cans be recycled? If so, how? By Brenda from Bay Minette Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45625173.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Rubbing Alcohol for Pet Odors on Carpet Will rubbing alcohol get pet odors out of carpet? By Ruth from NE Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70749572.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning a Wedding Dress My wedding dress is made of satin with some lace overlay. I want to give it to my daughter, but it is too small for her to wear. I would like to clean it and use the fabric to make a quilt for her. I need help on how to properly clean the dress. By Deborah from Georgetown, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf292874.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Homemade Febreze Laundry Odor Eliminator I am looking a recipe for homemade Febreze laundry odor eliminator. By Jenny from Franktown, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25917500.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Advice For Puppy That Isn't Eating My new puppy won't eat. What could be wrong? By Matt from Green Cove Springs, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64362755.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Shower Cleaning Tips What is the best way to clean a shower? By John W. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf383558.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Determining the Value of Antique Doll What I need to know is how can I go about finding out the value of a China Doll that belonged to my Great Grandmother back around 1850's? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54602187.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Remote Garage Door Opener Not Working I have a Sears garage door and after setting the car remote opener the hand held does not work. The second garage opens with both (the car and the hand held). How can I reprogram without canceling the car controlled opener? Thanks for your help. By Gotta Fixit from NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42200777.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Stained Glass Window Film How might I cover some clear glass in the doors of a hutch that I use for storage in my bedroom? I would like to find some con-tac-like see-through material that I can adhere to the backside, so it looks like stained or etched glass. I don't want to have to remove the glass to apply it. By Carolyn Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72282471.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Ink from a Comforter How can I get ink off a comforter? By Ruth from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85190238.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Retro Decor Ideas I want to decorate my kitchen and living room in the style popular in the 40s. I noticed that the curtains are normally of a floral print and have already done that. What was the look of the pillows, knickknacks, lamps, etc.? I have watched some movies set in that era to get ideas and have a few, however, anyone out there have any ideas/suggestions? Thanks. By Joan V. from Cedar Bluff, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98043957.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | The Making of Cobalt Blue Glass Where is cobalt found and is cobalt used in making cobalt blue glass? By Lisa from Winona, MN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47859990.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: Boo to You! An Adult Halloween Party By Debra Frick Why should the kids have all the fun? Here are some quick and easy ideas for an adult Halloween party that won't break the budget or your time. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69761862.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.