Daily Thrifty Tips - October 27, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 210, October 27, 2009 (Read It Online) With the new website design we have moved some parts of the site around. We have had some people email looking for the Active Topics and Recent Feedback pages. Those pages are located in the same place but instead of having links to them on every page, you can find them by clicking on the Index in the new header link which is on every page. 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: Cleaning With Baking Soda Wildlife: Creepy Spider and Web Halloween: "Monthly Gift" Couple Costume (Adult) Babe (Tabby) Sadie (Terrier Mix) Today's Tips: Make Photocopies of Important Receipts Tips for Painting Your Finger Nails Prevent Pet Food From Sticking to the Bowl Watch for Military Discounts Donate Books to Local Schools Use Nylon Net Produce Bags for Scrubbers Halloween: Smarty Pants Costume Removing Pine Tree Sap Joke of the Day New Requests: Inexpensive Oven Cooking Bags Getting Urine Stains Out of White Fur Hair Loss Due to Flea Allergy Dermatitis Home Security Cameras Cardboard Strips Used With Winterizing Paper White Lint All Over Dark Laundry Staining Concrete Floors Paint on Polyester Krazy Glue on a Kitchen Countertop Motorcycle Club Christmas Float Ideas: Theme "Storybook Christmas" Cleaning Varnished Wood Decorating for a 50th Birthday Party Surprise 50th Birthday Party Scavenger Hunt Ideas Asking Someone to Sadie Hawkins Trouble Painting Laminate Counter Top Washing Machine Spin Cycle Not Working Candle Wax Stains on Clothing George Foreman Grill Manual Christmas Float Ideas: Theme "Story Book Christmas" Cleaning a Handmade Wool Throw Rug Removing Leather Dye from Rubber Boots Removing Deck Stain from House Siding Unable to Find Bags for Vacuum Seal Machine Estimating Fabric Needed for Reupholstering a Couch Other Uses for Baby Products Removing Oil Stain on Painted Wall Interior Design Business Name Ideas Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Cushions Easy Hair Spray Removal 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: Cleaning With Baking Soda I have started keeping a clean glass Parmesan cheese dispenser by my bathroom and kitchen sink filled with baking soda. Great for a quick scrub for the sink, etc. I also sprinkle it on my toothpaste and sprinkle into my facial cleanser before I apply it (goodbye expensive exfoliators!). I also sprinkle a bit at the bottom of my wicker hamper and trash can to absorb odors. In the kitchen I also use it to clean cutting boards and my garbage disposal. As you can see, I chose to decorate mine with a vintage decal (it is a 4-C Parmesan jar, by the way, but any large holed jar would work). You can snazz it up however you like to fit your own decor! If you want to put a sticker on it - there are so many gorgeous ones in the scrapbooking department, just put a bit of clear packing tape over it to keep the water out. Not bad for a free jar, and good golly Miss Molly, baking soda is about 50 cents, and non-toxic. By Carol Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf819093.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Wildlife: Creepy Spider and Web I was in my back yard cleaning up, when I nearly bumped into this very efficient looking spider web complete with the actual spider in waiting. I was startled for a second, I suppose he was too. I recovered quickly and grabbed my camera. By Lauren from Topeka, Kansas Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13301776.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: "Monthly Gift" Couple Costume (Adult) Here's our interpretation of the "Monthly gift from Mother Nature". I wanted to do something really funny and make a costume that no one else would be demented enough to make. So I decided to take what all of us women are made to deal with each month (of course I am talking about our period), and have my husband experience it for one night (well a little of it anyway). I took a Tampax box and studied it. You need a box big enough for whoever is tricked into, I mean talked into wearing it. You'll also need blue spray paint (my box took two cans, but I think if I would have used primer I could have gotten by with just one). Remember to let your box dry all the way before painting anything else. A little artistic touch with a black sharpie (I free handed everything on the Tampax box before painting it). You'll also need a set of poster paints and different sized paint brushes. I also used q-tips for some of the lettering. For the "tampons" I used white poster board rolled up and stapled (staples facing toward the back, I tried tape but found staples to hold up better), cotton batting found at any craft store (I used several small bags, I also recommend bringing extra in case some fall out), and white string (attached to inside bottom of box with tape). For the "face part of the tampon" put it on the person, trace the face then cut out, there will also be cut outs above the shoulders (this will be hidden). It doesn't really matter what they wear underneath, of course I would recommend clothing because they might want to sit sometime during the evening. My costume was kind of an after thought, I wanted it to be a couples costume so I decided to keep with the "period" theme and be Aunt Flow. Easy to make. Just dress in all red, get an old t-shirt and cut the sleeves and bottom of the shirt so it "flows" or moves (think 80's Flashdance), write Aunt Flow on the front (I am sure most are familiar with this nickname for the period, If not, there are a million others that you can also write), grab some red pants or sweats, and a red wig (I bought a cheap devil wig and cut off the horns). The black hat I cut in a circle to represent, what else, "a period." I just glued that on with a hot glue gun (preferably while not wearing it). I didn't think that a lot of people would understand the black "period" hat but they did so I am sure your party people will too. It took some hard work and a little elbow grease, but the pay off is huge. Best costume I have ever made. Good luck and Happy Halloween. Enjoy! Source: I came up with this and made it all by myself. By Melony and David from Fritch, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89562320.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Babe (Tabby) Babe is a Tabby who is around 16 years old. The elderly woman, across the street from us had Babe, and she loved him like a child. When she passed ten years ago, we took Babe in. She likes to chase birds, lay in the sun, and cuddle. This is a photo of her after a hard day of chasing birds. By Theresa from Udall, Kansas Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf19329448.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Sadie (Terrier Mix) Sadie, we guess, is about 5 years old. We rescued her from a shelter a couple of years ago, and the vet guessed she was two at the time. She is such a joy. She is a Terrier mix, although since I am usually allergic, and am not allergic to Sadie, I think she has some LLaso, in her as well. We rescued Sadie from a long beach shelter. My son went to a summer camp there where they learn to train and care for dogs. We found Sadie on his last day at camp and could not leave that little sweetie behind. She loves to chase around a ball in the house, has a squeaky toy she loves, and just loves to sit on your lap and cuddle as well. About a year ago, my husband and daughter took Sadie on her nightly walk, on a leash as always, and a dog from a home jumped over their fence and attacked her. It was quite traumatic for all, and after $1,000 vet bill and stitches, she has recovered. The owner even paid us back over time for the bills. It is a reminder to be careful while walking around, we live in a beach community where houses are close together. Be careful sending your kids out to walk the dogs alone, you never know! She has recovered nicely. We have since adopted one more, a buddy for her, but that will be another entry. By Kat from Long Beach, CA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83547616.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: Make Photocopies of Important Receipts Store register receipts fade after a while. When purchasing large priced items I always photocopy the receipt and attach it to the warranty and/or owners manual in case the receipt is required at a later date to prove purchase. By Seranita from Melbourne, Australia Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53494942.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Tips for Painting Your Finger Nails Everyone likes to have painted, nice looking nails. It is very hard to paint your own nails but even when you ask someone to paint them for you, they don't always look good. Here are some tips on painting nails. First always use the bathroom before painting nails. Then do your hands one at a time. Make sure that the hand is dry before you go on to the next. Let your nails dry completely before putting on the top coat. When your nails are long, they can also break very easily when typing. Always use the palms of your finger nails. When you button and unbutton, be careful and remember to use the palms of your fingers. Hope this helps because everyone should have nice looking nails even when they are on budget. By slumbergirl234 Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81377013.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Prevent Pet Food From Sticking to the Bowl If you rub a small amount of sunflower oil around the inside of your pet bowls before feeding, the food won't stick to the bowl making clean up easier. Plus the oil is good for their coats and can help with hairball in cats. By Suzanne37 from West Sussex, United Kingdom Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97584972.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Watch for Military Discounts Lowe's Home Improvement gives 10% off to military, whether present or past. Just show ID and your drivers license. By Danward Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79504869.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Donate Books to Local Schools I have a great tip for anyone who has books collecting dust. Donate them to your local school. I had a garage sale recently with a friend (she home schools). We took the left over books loaded up my car, and I donated them to my son's grade school. We had several boxes of books from primary to chapter and even her home school books left. The librarian took them to the teachers lounge and it was Christmas for our teachers! Teachers are underpaid, overworked and under appreciated! I was tickled to help! Just keep this in mind next time you do a clean out of books! By mrsbutler2000 from Hernando, MS Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42339727.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Use Nylon Net Produce Bags for Scrubbers We all have those nylon bags that potatoes and onions come in. One day after returning from the grocery it occurred to me to cut them in squares and use them to scrub with. They can also be thrown in the microwave to quickly sanitize, and you can use them over and over again. I often use one in the bathroom to scour the sink, etc. They really do come in handy. Just a thought! By Nunley from Huntington, WV Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98016353.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Halloween: Smarty Pants Costume Be a "Smarty Pants" for Halloween. Buy Smartie candy rolls and tape the candy all over a pair of pants. Use clear packing tape to ensure the candy doesn't fall off. I suggest not using a favorite pair of pants in case the residue from the tape doesn't wash out. Quick, easy, and you have the candy left over to eat. 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/tf64835920.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Removing Pine Tree Sap To remove pine sap from the painted surfaces and the windows of your car. Use a product called PB Blaster. This is rust loosening aerosol that can be purchased at most auto parts stores. Spray a little on a soft rag and rub. It takes a little elbow grease but it does not harm the paint. By Bob from Carpentersville, IL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf697215.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dear Webby's Joke of the Day A doctor answers his phone and hears the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line. "We need a fourth for poker," said the friend. "I'll be right over," whispered the doctor. As he was putting on his coat, his wife asked, "Is it serious?" "Oh yes, quite serious," said the doctor gravely. "In fact, there are three doctors there already!" Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Inexpensive Oven Cooking Bags Where can I buy cheap oven bags? By Pedro E. A. from Algonquin, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93567760.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Urine Stains Out of White Fur How do I get my dalmatian white again? She has had urine stains on her fur since she was a pup. By Blaze Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41732522.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Hair Loss Due to Flea Allergy Dermatitis I have a dog and a cat who were both diagnosed with a flea allergy. They have lost their fur due to the allergy. How can I help them to regrow their fur? By AnimalRescueMum from Warren, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90015656.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Home Security Cameras Has anyone installed a home security camera at their front door? What does one need to know before selecting and purchasing a cam? By Ann from OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58953724.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cardboard Strips Used With Winterizing Paper Where can I find those slim cardboard strips that used to come with the winterizing paper? Should I make my own? By Terisa J. P. from Phillips, ME Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84687398.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | White Lint All Over Dark Laundry A diaper got mixed in with my dark load, and now I have wet lint all over my dark clothes. How do I remove the wet lint? By Jena from Round Rock, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62256303.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Staining Concrete Floors How do I stain a concrete floor? By Joann Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61804563.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Paint on Polyester I have a bridesmaids dress that my friend gave to me for me to wear for prom. It was hanging in my closet and somehow got two spots of white paint on it. It is 100% polyester. What can I do to get the stains out? Can I do it myself or is it best to have it done professionally? By Kristi from Charlotte, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17448744.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Krazy Glue on a Kitchen Countertop How do I clean Krazy glue from a countertop? By Rene from Moncton, NB Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf536380.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Motorcycle Club Christmas Float Ideas: Theme "Storybook Christmas" I desperately need help in decorating a float. My club is a motorcycle club and last year we made a sled and painted it orange and black, we had a seat in there for Mr. and Mrs. Santa to sit in, then we had children sitting around. This year the theme is : "A Storybook Christmas", and we would like some ideas on how to decorate the float, and maybe the motorcycles, they ride in front of the float that is being pulled by a pick-up truck. Thank you for your ideas. Ann By Ann from Wytheville, VA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83250742.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning Varnished Wood I want to clean the wooden interior shutters, blinds, and cabinets that have been exposed to 17 years of grease and a smoke filled home. How do I clean them without damaging the finish? These items have been varnished and could be really nice if they were clean. What can I do ? By Eileen Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93412227.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Decorating for a 50th Birthday Party What do you recommend to "hide" the walls (inside shelter), using Poly/Cotton material? The colors are black, white, and dark lime green. The tablecloths will be black, I am using white and dark lime green "material" for color. By Ramona W. from Charlotte, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96948975.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Surprise 50th Birthday Party I am throwing a surprise 50th birthday party for my husband, who recently retired from the Air Force. The party is this coming weekend and I need ideas for party favors for the guests. I am really crafty, but I need "quick, inexpensive" ideas for the guests. They will be mainly former military employee's of my husband. Help. I just want to have something for them to take home. My colors are black, white, and dark lime green. It's his first party, ever! By Ramona W. from Charlotte, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf205209.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Scavenger Hunt Ideas So I am having this birthday party with girls and guys. It's a scavenger hunt around town. I am wondering what are some good prizes for the winners? By tazthespaz Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75904798.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Asking Someone to Sadie Hawkins I need help coming up with cute ways to ask your boyfriend to Sadie's. By Pam from East Compton Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63224361.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Trouble Painting Laminate Counter Top I need some help. I painted my countertops with granite spray and used a water based poly on top (4 coats). That was 3 days ago. They feel dry to the touch, but are soft enough to leave marks. What can I do to fix this problem? There is also a few milky streaks when you look just right in the light. Anyone know why? I waited the 2 hours in between that it suggested. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. By Janmarie from IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96100613.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Washing Machine Spin Cycle Not Working How do I repair my washing machine? It washes, but does not spin dry or empty the water in the machine. By tarre from HI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45295027.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Candle Wax Stains on Clothing How do you get a candle wax stain out of clothing? By Rob F. from Brookfield, WI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf998028.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | George Foreman Grill Manual I need a manual for my George Foreman Lean Meat grill GR20BWC By JULIE from Kent Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67251338.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Christmas Float Ideas: Theme "Story Book Christmas" I am looking for a idea for a Christmas float. The theme is "Story Book Christmas". I would like to include something to do with Girl Scout cookies. By Susan from Thomasville, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64664524.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning a Handmade Wool Throw Rug I have a handmade wool throw rug. It hasn't been cleaned in years. It has been down in a basement. Would it be OK if I took to laundromat and washed it in one of the big machines on cold and delicate and used Woolite and Downey? I have heard white vinegar will take musty smell out? Has anyone ever heard of this? By Ann from Tipp City, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25118621.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Leather Dye from Rubber Boots I have a pair of beige rubber boots that were next to a pair of black suede boots in a suitcase. The rubber absorbed the black dye. How can I remove it? By Deb from Dallas, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40334920.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Deck Stain from House Siding How can I remove deck stain from the siding on the house? It's already "set". By cajun62234 from Collinsville Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43932307.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Unable to Find Bags for Vacuum Seal Machine I have the vacuum seal machine for the gallon and quart size Ziplock bags, but I cannot find the bags in the stores here anymore. What can I do to get some? By Janice from Salt Lake City, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73410891.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Estimating Fabric Needed for Reupholstering a Couch How much material on average does it take to reupholster a sofa 90 inches long, with a straight skirt? By Charlotte D. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75406086.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Other Uses for Baby Products What are some other uses for baby products? By Marni from New York, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf84432421.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Oil Stain on Painted Wall How do I remove baby oil stains from a painted wall? By Lizelle from Moorreesburg, Cape Town Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79113375.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Interior Design Business Name Ideas I am starting an interior designing business. What are some ideas on a good name for my new business? By Kamal S. from Delhi, India Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30056889.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Cushions How do I clean my outdoor cushions before I put them away for the winter? By Kim R. from Stockbridge, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf95037673.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Easy Hair Spray Removal How can I remove hairspray build-up on the sink in the bathroom? By Elaine B. from Trenton, TN Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27761591.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.