Daily Thrifty Tips - September 15, 2008

Vol. 7, Num. 179, September 15, 2008 (Read It Online) I hope those affected by Hurricane Ike are safely weathering the storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. This week we have two new Saving Money on... Topics. Do you have any advice to share? Saving Money on Breakfast Breakfast is the most neglected meal of the day. Do you have any tips for saving money on breakfast items? Feel free to post your ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77508839.tip.html Saving Money on Pumpkins It's pumpkin season! What are your tips for saving money on pumpkins and getting the most out of the pumpkins that you purchase? Feel free to post your ideas below. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97726269.tip.html Thanks for reading, Susan 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 Project: Scenic Window Garden: My Grandmother With Her Watermelon (1930) Craft: Decorative Gift Magnets Convert An Old Dresser Into A Bathroom Sink Stand Pika (Chihuahua Mix) Today's Tips: Keep Your Vacuum Working Better Store Kitchen Appliance Cords in a Coffee Can Link: Gymbohaven.com for Gymboree Clothing Information Add Aspirin To Your Laundry To Prevent Underarm Stains Craft: Handle Pillow Resetting Your Analog/Digital Converter Box Link: Homemade Dryer Balls Tips for Hand Washing Dishes Serve Cupcakes For Birthdays Using Your Dehydrator For Storing Fruit Joke of the Day New Requests: Using Applesauce Instead of Oil Fixing Glider Rocker That Squeaks Giving Furniture a Distressed Look Sewn Rag Rug Patterns Harvest Festival Ideas Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop Beeping Growling Pitbull Puppy Keeping Salt and Sugar Free Flowing Homemade Weed Killers Making a Robe From Towels Transferring Paint Into Smaller Containers Is Vindale Research A Scam? Invitations For A Golden Birthday Getting Rid of Wet Carpet Smell "Pandemonium" Themed Float Removing Strawberry Plants From Lawn Microwave Crisp Maker Toilet Keeps Clogging Older Dog With Dislocated Hip Cutting Board For Gas Stove Cleaning Up Olive Oil Do I Need To Replace My Lawn? Repellent Made From Skin So Soft Calculating Grocery Savings Growing Lupine Tree Skirt Made With Old Christmas Cards Looking For Tiffany's Boxes Gorilla Glue On Mahogany Furniture Ideas For Using 3-Tiered Plate Rack Ripening Pears More Reading: Sony Recalls Notebook Computers Due to Burn Hazard Aqua Lung Recalls Scuba Regulators and Adapters Due to Drowning Hazard Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Recalled by Protocol Due to Fire and Burn Hazards PB Heat Recalls Gas Boilers Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard 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 Project: Scenic Window Make your own scenes outside your "window". If you don't have a window, just paint one! I love beach and lighthouse scenes. So, I made my window looking out at a lighthouse. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59147653.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Garden: My Grandmother With Her Watermelon (1930) This picture is of my Grandmother in 1930. I do believe that is a watermelon she is getting ready to cut. She certainly did something right in her garden! By Jackie from Orlando, Florida Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10122857.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Decorative Gift Magnets I love making people little things and then giving them gift baskets. One of the things I make are magnets. Magnets can be made from all kinds of thing. The ones I am submitting are the small photos on the backs of calendars. I simply use Dollar Tree sealing tape, the 2 inch wide kind. I then cut a piece of cardboard the same size at the photo, and cover the photo with enough tape to wrap around the back, securing it to the cardboard. Then, using hot glue or tacky glue, I put a flat magnet on the back. View This Craft: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf14096281.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Convert An Old Dresser Into A Bathroom Sink Stand When I bought my house, it needed extensive updating. I had to keep costs down, so I bought a dresser at an auction to use as my vanity. I tried crackling it but did not get the desired effect so I stenciled a leaf pattern on and then sanded some of the paint away to get a shabby chic look. My son installed it but had to cut a hole in one drawer to make room for the sink. I am pleased with the results. By Elaine from Iowa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48618825.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Pika (Chihuahua Mix) This is Pika, eating grilled corn on the cob. She is 8 years old. She is a Chihuahua mix. I found her in the pound. She was so small they put wire around the bars to keep her from walking out. Pika is a prissy little princess. She sleeps in the bed under the covers. She has the appetite of a Great Dane. She eats anything. I have to constantly watch her around the kids so that she isn't eating anything bad for her. By Norma from Lawton, OK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42512060.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: Keep Your Vacuum Working Better I worked for 15 years in a retail store in the vacuum department so these tips may help keep your vacuum working better. Most upright vacuums and some canisters, break belts often because the beater bar gets bound up with hair, twine from threads or from the carpet. Before you start to vacuum, always turn your vacuum over and cut off anything that may prevent the beater bar from turning easily when in operation. Also, sometimes the belt may not break but it will get loose so if you even smell some burning, it is the belt 99% of the time. The belt is to be tight, not loose. Don't let your vacuum bag get completely full, that will give you less sucking power. I also take a cotton ball and spray some scent on it and put it in a new vacuum bag or I put a envelope on my vacuum bag of a sachet I like the smell of and every time I turn my vacuum on the scent is blown through out the house while I'm cleaning! Source: This is from all my years working with vacuums By Rainy21 from Phoenix, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83607394.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Store Kitchen Appliance Cords in a Coffee Can I have various electrical appliances with detachable electrical cords. I didn't really like storing the cords inside the appliances because of scratching and didn't like them lying around in my cupboards or drawers. So, I was looking at this pile of electrical cords and was trying to come up with something to store them in. I had just finished off my coffee and had an empty container sitting there. The lightbulb went off! I cleaned out the container and put all the electrical cords inside. I wrote "electrical cords" on the outside of the container and now whenever I am using my rice cooker, one of my electric skillet, my fry daddy, etc.; I just pull out the container and get the appropriate cord and plug in my appliance. This way the inside of my appliances don't get scratched, the cords are not laying around in my cupboards or drawers, and there is one less coffee can in the landfills. Plus, I don't worry about my toddler getting the cords and hurting himself with the pokey ends. It works for me, maybe this could work for you. Source: Me, myself and I. By kurlyque from Northern California Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25159723.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Link: Gymbohaven.com for Gymboree Clothing Information For those of you who deal in Gymboree clothing for kids! I always stress over finding what line of Gymboree certain clothing designs come from. Today I stumbled upon a site that tells all! Check it out! http://www.gymbohaven.com/ Jessica Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf42846090.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Add Aspirin To Your Laundry To Prevent Underarm Stains I don't remember where I got this tidbit from but it seems to work. If you put an aspirin in the washing machine with the laundry, it helps with underarm stains. It will not remove old stains but will help keep new ones from showing. Living in Florida and being on the football team, my son sweats a lot and even his BLACK tee shirts would get a white stain that I couldn't remove. (I know it wasn't the shirt because it happened to ALL of his shirts). Just put the aspirin in the machine with the wash, no crushing necessary. So far I see no stains on the new shirts! (And I bought the cheap aspirin!). By Brenda from Deltona, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78911814.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Craft: Handle Pillow A quick present to make is a "Handle Pillow" You can use whatever fabric you want, or recycle a favorite shirt or dress. Cut 2 pieces 6x 8 inches and another piece of fabric 3 x 6 inches, this will be the handle. Take the handle fabric and fold in half, ironing it, then open up this piece and fold the raw edges toward the center to the ironed line. Iron this in place. Stitch on each side of the handle to form a solid piece. Take your 2 large pieces of fabric and place right sides together and pin. Go back and insert your handle on one of the long sides. Sew all around leaving an opening opposite the handle side so you can stuff the pillow. After sewing turn pillow right side out, stuff pillow, then sew opening closed. You now have a pillow the child can hold on to in their carseat or anywhere for a nap. By Molly from Box Elder, South Dakota Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53276420.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Resetting Your Analog/Digital Converter Box We're switching from analog TV to digital TV reception by way of those converter boxes that the government is advertising. It's a way of still using your old analog TV when the TV switch to digital occurs in Feb 2009. I bought a converter box with a government coupon in the Spring of 2008 which is probably no longer available (the DTA800 by RCA). Plugged it in and it worked OK, then the next day I figured it should be programmed properly. Big mistake (channel changing was now via the volume button and it went down hill from there). Called Customer Service and was told how to reset the box. I am posting this re-set info, because I am thinking this is going to happen to a lot of people and this message may save some hours and needless aggravation. To re-set the converter box: Push the STANDBY button for 15 seconds. Unplug the box from everything for 15 minutes and take batteries out of remote. Plug everything back in, put batteries back into remote. By Holly from Richardson, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf45405608.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Link: Homemade Dryer Balls Make your own dryer balls! I ran across this cool how-to for all my DIY chums. This is so easy! http://howtomakedo.net/154/make-your-own-wool-dryer-balls By melody_yesterday from Sedalia, Mo Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15089465.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tips for Hand Washing Dishes I've always washed my dishes by hand. I've never had a dish washer but have had a faithful dish dryer for 48 years. His name is Ray. I learned to wash dishes in the 50's. The rule was; glasses first, pots and pans last. It never occurred to me, until I was saving water during the drought last summer, to rinse the food off my dishes before washing them. During the drought, wells were going dry, trees and shrubbery were showing signs of stress and I was recycling all the grey water I could collect to water our new shrubbery and keep the commodes flushed. For the kitchen sink, I purchased two large plastic dish pans and put one in the sink to collect water as I rinsed my hands, etc. After each meal and in between, I used this water to rinse the food off the dishes because, to save water, I washed all of the dishes at the end of the day. I knew if I didn't rinse the food off, they would be a pain to wash. I stacked the rinsed dishes in the other dish pan. It was not until I started doing this that I noticed how dirty the water got after rinsing the food off the dishes. All those years I had been washing dishes, the soap subs hid the food particles in the water and I never gave it a thought. It only takes a little water and a little effort to rinse the food off the dishes. Each time I do this the thought runs through my mind that this is slop water and I used to wash my dishes in it. It might be just the thought but I feel like my dishes are much cleaner now. I also learned another trick last summer. I don't like my kitchen cluttered up with dirty dishes so to keep my pan of dirty dishes out of sight, I put it in the stove oven. I still do this. To keep from preheating the oven, I have the control knob for the cut on and off button in the kitchen drawer. This sounds kind of crazy but it gives me much more space in my small kitchen and keeps my kitchen tidier. I don't use my oven that often for cooking anyway. By Still Learning from NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12490906.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Serve Cupcakes For Birthdays This isn't my tip but I thought it was clever. Instead of cake at a kid's birthday party, make cupcakes. You can push them together if you want and Ice the whole lot to look like one cake or do what my daughter did. She saw in a magazine a barnyard cake and the cupcakes were decorated like different animals. It was so cute. Each kid chose an animal to eat and the adults ate the barnyard. By Sharon from Bonita Springs, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24331134.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Using Your Dehydrator For Storing Fruit A year ago or so I bought a fairly simple food dehydrator with six shelves. It has sat for awhile, but this year I decided to put it to work. Work indeed; it has been going almost non-stop since the tomatoes, peppers, and grapes have began producing here in sunny CA. Now there is no such thing as too many tomatoes. And the yellow raisins I have made from our green grapes are delicious. To make a very delicious harvest of dried tomatoes, just slice any or all of your tomatoes 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick and lie them flat on your dehydrator shelves. Dry until completely dry (check them every few hours) and enjoy either plain, in salads, ground into a powder, or drenched in olive oil with basil or rosemary packed in beautiful jars. This makes a delightful gift too. The dried tomatoes have a very rich flavor, so much more enhanced somehow than regular tomatoes. I also used my dehydrator to dry all those extra soft plums from our plum tree. The results I got were delicious and tasty prunes. Even with the seeds still inside, they are magnificent. My next plan is to use more apple slices and banana slices to dry. Am I glad my dehydrator is off the shelf and in good use daily and so is everyone else who samples the harvest. By Karen from Davis, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33000193.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Dear Webby's Joke of the Day Two nuns are ordered to paint a room in the convent, and the last instruction of the Mother Superior is that they must not get even a drop of paint on their clothes. After conferring about this for a while, the two nuns decide to lock the door of the room, strip off their clothes, and paint in the nude. In the middle of the project, there comes a knock at the door. "Who is it?", calls one of the women. "Blind man," replies a voice from the other side of the door. The two women look at each other and shrug, and, deciding that no harm can come from letting a blind man into the room, they open the door. "Wow," says the man, "nice to see you! Where do you want these venetian blinds....?" Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Using Applesauce Instead of Oil Can applesauce be used instead of oil in cake mixes and box brownies? And if so, how much? Thanks! roseoma3 from Liberal, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf724184.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Fixing Glider Rocker That Squeaks I have a wooden glider rocker that I can no longer use because of the horrible squeaking noise it makes as it rocks. I have tried WD40, spray graphite, and even Pam cooking spray to no avail! Does anyone know how to make the squeaking stop? Crystal from Muncy, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70524488.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Giving Furniture a Distressed Look I have an older bedroom set that is very dark and very worn. I would like to give it a lighter, maybe antique look. I was thinking of spraying it with an off white or ivory color. To get some of the dark to show through do I need to wipe it before it dries or sand lightly afterwards? Then maybe put a faux marble laminate on the tops of the items. Can anyone give me suggestions on how to achieve this look that is with the easiest techniques possible? I don't know the name of the technique I am striving for but have seen it often. You know, sort of a whitewashed look with the old peaking out. Thanks. Nelwyn from Bunkie Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79803080.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Sewn Rag Rug Patterns Directions for a 'rag rug' (not braided) made with several 1in x 3in cloth strips sewn on canvas or burlap backing. Hazel from Arizona Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81365773.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Harvest Festival Ideas My sons school is having a Fall Harvest. I am looking for ideas on games and crafts that the kids can do. There are 430 kids at his school. I do not have much $$ given to me for this event. I am looking for cheap ideas. The children are allowed to dress up. Thank you in advance for any ideas. Wacky Camper Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51175122.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Electric Smoke Detector Won't Stop Beeping Electric smoke alarm goes off regardless if it is plugged in or not. How strange. I have tried it both ways. It beeps sometimes in the early p.m. and 4 or 5 a.m. Very annoying! Mary Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf64963165.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growling Pitbull Puppy I have a 1 year old pit bull male. He growls at me sometimes. He has been to obedience classes and has a 7 month old sister who is an English mastiff. He has been growling since he was 6 weeks old. How do I stop him from thinking he is alpha? Telisa from Imperial, MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91904510.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Keeping Salt and Sugar Free Flowing What can I do to keep my salt and sugar shakers pouring? I am having a hard time with moisture right now. Erica Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf974930.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Homemade Weed Killers Are there any home recipes for weed and grass killer for vegetable gardens? Anita from Prattville, AL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001029.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Making a Robe From Towels Does anyone know how to make a robe from bath towels? If so, I would appreciate the instructions. Thanks. Betty from Redding, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44930068.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Transferring Paint Into Smaller Containers I have paint in very large containers that my painter used to paint my entire house. How can I put some in smaller containers that I can actually use to touch up small areas? Thank you. Kathie from Concord, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf59015824.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Is Vindale Research A Scam? Is Vindale Research a scam? Sandi from Sarasota Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49946769.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Invitations For A Golden Birthday Where can I find invitations for a Golden Birthday? Jane from Chicago, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53869385.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Getting Rid of Wet Carpet Smell We had a heavy rain and the 8x8 area rug I had in the basement got wet. I took it outside to dry however now it smells. How can I get rid of that odor? Terri from Springfield, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf180895.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print "Pandemonium" Themed Float I need float ideas for the theme "Pandemonium". Callie from Creston, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34513273.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Removing Strawberry Plants From Lawn How do you eliminate Wild Strawberry plants in a lawn? Lionel from Dartmouth, NS Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77666563.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Microwave Crisp Maker Does anyone in England know where I can buy a microwave crisp maker? I've tried ebay (ten pounds! I don't think so!), tried Lakeland and Kleeneeze. I am on the Slimming World diet so I'd really like one. Many thanks. Laura from Barnsley, England Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf51084703.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Toilet Keeps Clogging What do you do for a toilet that keeps clogging? Lee from Portland, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86583764.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Older Dog With Dislocated Hip My 9yr old Yorkie was hit by a truck on Sunday and dislocated her hip and broke her leg. The vet said he could do surgery, place a pin and put her hip back in socket but due to her arthritis it would be a long recovery and only 50% chance hip would stay in socket. I work for doctors and they suggested no surgery due to her age and condition. I had the vet put a splint on her broken back leg and brought her home to see how she does. I do not want to put her down and I don't think she can handle the surgery. Her personality is coming back and she's eating good and drinking some. However, her bowels are not moving and she seems swollen. The vet gave her an enema on Tuesday and she hasn't moved her bowels since. At times she wants to get up but her front legs have arthritis and can't support her body with the splint on her back leg. I just don't know what to do at this point. If she seemed to be in pain or suffering I would put her down but I want to give her a chance to live. Does any know the recovery process of a dislocated hip and broken leg on a 9 year old? Thanks! Natalie from Gonzales, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85125580.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cutting Board For Gas Stove I am looking for a cutting board to place over a gas stove. Craig from Marietta, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53016814.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Cleaning Up Olive Oil I accidentally broke a bottle of olive oil on our concrete floor. Any help on how to clean this up and keep it from turning rancid and stinking? sundancegal from Wyoming Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf13927743.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Do I Need To Replace My Lawn? My lawn is covered in tall growing, light blue flowers, tough grass and dandelions. Is there any hope for it, or do I have to tear it all up? Please help! Hardiness Zone: 6b Natalie from Cleveland, Ohio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17933590.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Repellent Made From Skin So Soft I saw a repellent or something to that was made from Avon's Skin So Soft and some other ingredients. Can anyone get me the recipe for it please. I thought it could be used to keep the fleas off you but I'm just not sure. Thanks. Shawna from Pittsburg Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf10344541.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Calculating Grocery Savings I am trying to find a store that will list average grocery store prices of popular items. We are going through tough times in our household with food and budgeting (my hubbie was in the mortgage business). I found a cool place called Angel food ministries that looks like a really good deal, but they have a monthly menu and you have to pay by the 15th and get the food at the end of the month. I was just trying to make a price comparison so that I can get a rough estimate of the savings. Any input? This makes me also want to volunteer and do more when I get through this hard time. I am realizing more than ever that it can happen to ANYONE! Brenda from Winder, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85222009.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Growing Lupine Is Lupine OK to grow in southeastern MA? Hardiness Zone: 7a Ann from MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91746234.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Tree Skirt Made With Old Christmas Cards Does anyone have instructions to make a Tree Skirt using old Christmas Cards? I had this pattern years ago and have lost it. Any replies are appreciated. Thank you. Oleeda from Louisville, Ky Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf35307412.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Looking For Tiffany's Boxes Where can I find different sized Tiffany's boxes to make a centerpiece for my daughter's bridal shower. Can you help me? Also trying to find a large martini glass. Mirtha from Union City, NJ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf11561929.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Gorilla Glue On Mahogany Furniture I have high quality mahogany furniture that accidentally got super glue (Gorilla Glue) smeared on it as I was trying to glue a piece that came off in transportation. Any suggestions on how I can clean those stains (glue marks)? Can I use Oops or Goo-Gone on it? Sudha Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53669648.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Ideas For Using 3-Tiered Plate Rack Anyone have any creative ideas for a 3 tier plate rack other than plates? Thanks. Debbie from Jeff City Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55971226.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Ripening Pears What is the correct way to ripen pears (other than on the tree)? We have a new pear tree that has produced 11 pears this year and they're falling off but aren't ripe. I know there are recommendations about ripening bananas and wonder if there is something special I should do to help my pears ripen instead of rot. Thanks Judi from Elgin, OR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67718018.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: Sony Recalls Notebook Computers Due to Burn Hazard Hazard: Irregularly positioned wires near the computer's hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating. This poses a burn hazard to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf41965794.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Aqua Lung Recalls Scuba Regulators and Adapters Due to Drowning Hazard Hazard: Over-tightening of the DIN retainer by a technician during installation can result in the retainer breaking under pressure, a rapid escape of air from the scuba cylinder, and the regulator detaching from the scuba cylinder. This poses a drowning hazard to divers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39280007.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Recalled by Protocol Due to Fire and Burn Hazards Hazard: The rechargeable battery inside the helicopter can overheat. This can result in the helicopter's body melting, as well as a risk of fire or burns to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25035912.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print PB Heat Recalls Gas Boilers Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard Hazard: The pressure switch could have an internal defect that could fail to shut down the boilers under vent or air inlet blockage. This switch defect could allow the boilers to produce excessive levels of carbon monoxide, posing a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf62889549.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.