Daily Thrifty Tips - November 28, 2007

I hope you are all having a good week. With Christmas coming, I'm certainly busy and I know all of you are, too. Luckily there's still time. More recalls today, it will be nice when there aren't a bunch everyday but it's nice to know what not to buy.

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.

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

Oregon Ghost Town

I took these pictures in the old town of Shaniko, OR. I love history and old things. Hope you enjoy it.

By Mythi from Silverdale WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf88153198.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Gunner (Chocolate Lab)

Gunner is a 4 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab. He's my sons dog, he raised him from a puppy.

Gunner loves to Bird hunt.Give him lots of love and take them to obedience school

By Judy from Traverse

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf83615337.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Craft: Italian Gift Basket

Materials

• 1 large basket
• 1 red or green checkered tablecloth
• 1 strainer
• 1 bowl
• 1 italian cookbook
• 1 box of breadsticks
• spaghetti sauce
• spaghetti
• grated cheese
• coffee
• mints
• candles and candle holders
• bottle of wine the one with straw
• spaghetti utensil
• Mini desserts
• greenery

Instructions

By Carol from Massachusetts

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf92420058.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Clever Christmas Cards

NO MORE COWBELL!

What a shame about Britney!

By Cheryl from Somerset NJ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16586055.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

• 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!

Go-With Gifts For Gift Cards

If giving gift cards is your style, package it with a little go-with gift and cute note. A friend has just finished acupuncture school and I am getting him a package of sewing needles and a wine store gift card with a cute note about something to get started on!

By Linda from Vista, CA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56674097.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Vacuum Spiders With Wet Dry Vac

After cleaning up my garage with the wet-dry vacuum we keep out there, I came in the house to find SPIDERS! We'd had a hatching in a little-used room which included webs, tiny spiders and some eggs. I didn't want to mess up my HEPA filter vacuum, so decided to bring in the wet-dry vacuum to do the job.

The nice thing about it was that I could suck all the spidery stuff up, put a (recyclable) plastic shopping bag over the container, dump everything in and quickly tie it/tape it off. Into the garbage and the job was done! No mess, no spiders, no more!

Source: Just my idea!

By Stephanie from Bandon, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32574061.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Hang Apples For Holiday Decoration

Tie a length of nice holiday ribbon to apple stems and suspend them from the ceiling or in an archway or doorway from thumbtacks. Make sure though, that they hang higher than the tallest person's head, who lives with you or visits, so they don't get bumped!

By melody_yesterday from Sedalia. Missouri

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf32563585.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Arranging Fresh Flowers In A Vase

When you buy fresh flowers, save the clear cellophane. Use the flower feed, if it is powdered, add an eggcup full of boiling water to dissolve it then top up with cold water. Then,scrunch up the cellophane and push this into the bottom of the vase, even on clear glass vases it will remain invisible. This acts as an anchor to position the stems into and help them to stay where you want them to be. The cellophane trick is also good if you have a vase that is too deep for your flower stems.

When you buy roses to help stop then from drooping, cut an inch or so off the bottom at a slant. Then using scissors or a craft knife, cut a slit in the bottom if the stem about an inch up. Think of the split at the bottom of an old fashioned wooden clothes peg and you will get the idea of what I mean, this allows the stems to draw up more water. If your roses have already drooped, wrap the bunch in news paper, cut the stems as I have said, put into fresh water with feed, and then put them somewhere dark and comfortably cool overnight, this sometimes works and they might recover.

Kindest Regards - Borasic Lint from England

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61597085.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Turn Wheels To Lessen Impact In A Car Accident

To lessen front end impact when you see you're about to be rear-ended, turn your front wheels so you'll not hit the vehicle in front of you square on. Not long ago, some friends of ours in a full size older Dodge pickup truck were rear-ended. He turned his wheels avoiding hitting the car in front of them. The lady in the car got out and thanked him for not damaging her car as much as he could have. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

By Terri H. from NV

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15055041.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Prevent Dripping In Built-in Ice Makers

For refrigerators with built in ice makers, there are a lot of perceived problems with "excessive dripping" that can be "fixed" quite easily. This tip only works if you frequently use crushed ice and experience this.

ANY time you dispense crushed ice from your ice maker, be sure to dispense a few cubes of ice right after. You can just throw away the cubed ice in your sink. By dispensing cubed ice after crushed ice, the following is accomplished:

• The cubes knock loose any ice chips remaining in the shoot
• This prevents those would be chips in the door from melting and dripping, causing extra water clean up for you.

By Liz from Austin,TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf74821453.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

Microwaved popcorn in a brown lunch bag! It's so easy my 10 year can do it. Just take 1/4 popcorn, slap as much butter and salt as you want and microwave for 2 minutes and 15 seconds. We just tape the bag closed. Easy as pie!

By Kalen from Seattle

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23861758.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Natural Solution for Indoor Fungus on Flowerpots

Does any knowledgeable person out there have a remedy for killing white fluffy-type fungus that grows on soil surfaces of indoor flowerpots? I have 6 large plastic flowerpots in the living room. Every year when the weather turns chilly and then cold, a white fluffy-type fungus starts growing on top of the soil, but not on the plants. I went to a store here and they sold me Furadan, but an internet check results show that Furadan is a very toxic insecticide and nematode poison. I would really rather not use that inside the house. Thanks a lot.

Carlos from Mexico

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf81557937.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pattern for Old Fashioned Sunbonnet

Can anyone please send me a pattern of the old Sunbonnets they wore long ago. Like the ones on Little House on The Prairie? The cost to buy one is unreal. Could someone with the pattern please kindly send me the directions. Thanks!

Kay from Clyde, TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf15582272.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Capture Carpet Cleaning System

I have recently purchased the product "Capture" carpet cleaning system. I was wondering if anyone has used this before and what are you opinions of it? I have pet stains I need to remove. Any suggestions? Also, does this product clean up next to the baseboards? Steamers don't get that close so I am hoping this product will do that. Can you use it in area rugs and furniture? Thanks in advance!

Jonnie from Utica

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20046117.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How to Make a Beer Cap Table

How do you make a beer cap table?

machelle from Ruth, MI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf65848102.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Does a Metal Spoon Ruin Amish Starter Bread?

What happens when you use a metal spoon with the Amish starter bread recipe? Does it ruin your starters? I read the part about not using a metal bowl, but missed the metal spoon.

April from Michigan

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67582328.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking For Brass or Silver Pendulum Bobs

I have been searching for pendulum bobs, silver or brass. These are the little cone-shaped weights that are often used on small pendulums. I don't want the large kind found in a hardware store. Can anyone direct me to a wholesale (or, bulk) source?

VBartlett from Eugene, OR

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf80584876.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wood Stove Recommendations

I need a wood stove recommendation. It's time for our old Avalon wood stove to go. I've read the manufacturer web sites for Avalon, Vermont Castings, Lopi, BlazeKing, Country, and of course they make their brand sound like the best on the market. My house is all on one level, about 2000 square feet, and a wood stove is my sole source of heat. I want it to have a long enough burn time that I can load it at night and still have embers in the morning to get it going again. What brand/model wood heating stove do you have and would you recommend it for what I need?

Jackie from Rochester, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53630825.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing Grease Stain on Battenberg Lace Tablecloth

I've tried everything found online (and on this site) to clean a white cotton/linen tablecloth. My daughter did not pre-treat the greasy food stains, just threw it in the washer and dryer, plus she has had it in a drawer for a year. I've tried everything but the Fels Naptha which I can't find anywhere. I have tried the bleach/powder dishwater soap, oxyclean/Biz/ammonia, sprayed w/oven cleaner, nothing has worked so far. Do you suppose this is a hopeless task? It's a beautiful Battenberg lace cotton/linen tablecloth. I found Fels Naptha online but it says it's a "pre-wash" stain cleaner so I didn't order any since the stain has been washed and dried. I've about given up...

Carolyn from Shreveport, LA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf85781937.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Fixing Grout Cracked When Removing Caulk

I need to replace old caulk (due to mildew and cracks) around my metal tub with tiled shower. When I started removing the old caulk up the tiled corners, I got a little more than I think I should have! It looks like the grout was 'cracked' as well. What do I need to do? Do I just fill the space with more caulk? Will the tiles still hold? Help!

lizinTX from Austin,TX

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21870359.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Canning Non-Tomato Based Soup

Every time I can a non-tomato based soup, after a few weeks, the soup turns very acidic and is not edible and I have to throw it out. What am I doing wrong?

Yvonne from York, PA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf23662740.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How Difficult is Faux Painting on Laminate Counter Tops

I have been reading the articles on faux painting kitchen laminate countertops. My question is this: my wife and I are on a tight budget and were considering paying someone to come out and spray on the faux acrylic solid surface counter tops. Is the process discussed here similar to this process? And if so, how easy is it TRULY to do for beginners to the faux paint world?

Thanks,

Matt

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76291323.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Need Help Purchasing 'Pink Solution'

I want to try a product called 'Pink Solution' (made in Canada) to clean hard water deposits from shower tile and mildew from some of the grout in my bathroom. I tried to order it from the website but was shocked that the shipping cost is the same as the product cost (doubling the cost to buy it). Would anyone be willing to mail me a small plastic bottle of Pink Solution if I sent postage? Are there any US distributors? Any users (who don't sell this stuff) who would submit comments on the product so I can tell if it seems worth it? I'd appreciate any help at all. Thanks!

Nancy from Nokomis, Florida

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94219504.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Help Wiring Outlet Replacing Baseboard Heater

Hi, While renovating a room I removed two baseboard heaters and have installed an electrical outlet to replace one of them. One base heater had two black, two white and two copper wires coming out of the wall. I have connected black to black, white to white and copper to copper. Where the other heater is there is one black, one white and one copper wire. I wired the black to the brass screw, white to silver and copper to green(ground). Receptacle just will not work. The circuit only has these two items on it. If any one has any idea please let me know. Many thanks.

Brenda from Pulaski, VA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82907019.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Wondering What To With Extra Cell Phone Minutes

I am wondering what to do with unused cell phone minutes. A while back we switched from Tracfone to Net10 because we determined it would be cheaper, which it is, but now we have found that T-Mobile's prepaid plan would be cheaper yet. With Net10, all the minutes are 10 cents, but the least you can buy at a time is 150, which comes with 30 days of service. We don't use any more than about 100 minutes in 30 days. Right now, I have over 600 minutes that expire in about 2 months, and my husband has about 300 minutes that expire in about a month. We want to switch plans but we feel like we are just throwing money down the drain not using those minutes, but to roll those minutes over, we have to pay $15 for 150 minutes on top of the abundance we already have. We can't give the phones to somebody else because we want to keep our same numbers and I'm pretty sure once we switch our numbers to new phones, the minutes on the old phones will disappear. What can we do to use up these minutes before they expire? We already get 500 free minutes on our home phone that we use maybe 200 of so it's really to no advantage to use the cell phone instead of the home phone.

I just hate letting the unused prepaid cell phone minutes go to waste.

Any ideas?

Allison from northeast TN

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf56635295.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Yellow Stain on Gray Sweatshirts

I have several gray sweatshirts that have yellow stains on them. Have no idea what they are. Is there any way to get rid of them. Thanks.

Deloris from Tinley Park, IL

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf47785041.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Advice For Dog That Runs Away

My dog runs away. It's really terrible. He can open the door and get out of the house even when he has been crated. He can climb a ten foot fence and he is a skilled digger. If I lock him in the house or garage, he tears it up. What can I do? I have had him for three weeks. I got him from a farmer who chained him, I am starting to see why. I have 14 acres, yet he runs miles away from home every other day. And when people catch him and give us a call, he often escapes before we can get there.

Jeanette

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97757609.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Getting Better Mileage

With gas prices soaring, what are others doing to reduce the use of gas? I have cut way back on driving places. I make a circle of my errands I have to run. I try not to back track at all. I have emptied my trunk of everything. Even my spare tire, I know that sounds a little crazy, but I have roadside assistance and they can tow me to the nearest repair shop and I can get the spare to them. I am making an effort to park in spaces that don't require me to "back out" of them. I can simply put forward and drive off. I try not to go below 3/4 of a tank of gas. Then it does not hurt quite so much when I gas up. I have been averaging about 25 mpg in my car. But I hope to do better by using these tactics. So what are others doing? I don't work out of the home so I maybe able to use just one tank of gas a month. I have to take DH to the VA clinic that is 50 miles one way about once every other month. I have to do everything I can to save on this expense!

JONNIE from Utica

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000922.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Removing a Seed Wart

I have a tiny seed wart on the toe beside my big toe...at least I think it's a seed wart. It's been there for about 3 months and hurts when touched or bumped. It's not above the surface of my skin, but looks like it's embedded. Does anyone have any tips on how to remove it? Thanks!

Nellio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29679683.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Decorations Made with Glass Blocks

How do you make decorations with glass blocks?

Antoinette from Cincinnati, Ohio

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52574530.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Keeping a Pit Bull

After a Pit Bull tastes blood is there hope to keep them?

Darlene from Flagstaff, AZ

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73596956.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

How Do You Use a Convection Oven?

Hi I am looking for how to info on convection/microwave ovens. The manual is great for instructing on how to set the temps and times but is useless for everything else.

Please help with a few, probably dumb, questions.

1) When using the convection should it heat from top and bottom or just the top.

2) Do you leave the glass plate in when you use the convection?

3) It came with a metal pizza pan. Does this mean it is safe to use metal in this oven at all times?

Basically we know nothing about this machine that came in our RV and cannot find anyone that can tell us how to us it. If we cannot figure it out we will be forced to have an actual oven installed.

Thanks for any help or advise you can give.

Robert from Bothell, WA

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75812434.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Pricing Hand-knit Lace Edging

How do I price hand-knit lace edging for sale? I have started knitting lace edging, 1 to 4 inches wide, and would like to sell some of it. I'm guessing it's priced by the square inch, but how much $$? I haven't found new hand-knit lace edging anywhere on the internet, only secondhand 'antique' or 'vintage' lace on Ebay and other sites. Some of my edging takes an hour to knit an inch, so I can't charge by the hour. Thanks very much.

Jantoo from Kenosha Co, WI

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf69402649.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for Pre-school Teacher

I need some homemade gift ideas for my son's pre-school teachers for Christmas. These have to be homemade and not store bought.

Amy from Evansdale

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61801209.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Electric vs Gas Motor for Go-kart

Is it better to use an electric or a gasoline motor when building a go-kart?

Alexander from Oakville, ON

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75359776.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Looking for Octagon Soap

I've read about Lye soap helping with acne problems but this soap has been difficult to find. What retailers sell Octagon soap?

Susana from , Los Angeles, California

Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90928994.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

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

Hobby Lobby Stores Recalls Halloween-Themed Baskets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Halloween-Themed Baskets

Units: About 10,000

Importer: Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla.

Hazard: Surface paint on the bat, pumpkin and witch emblems attached to the baskets contain excess levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves all 2007 Halloween-themed baskets with item number 5464201. The item number is located next to the price on the paper hangtag on the handle. The plastic baskets are either black or orange with two carrying handles. An emblem of a witch, bat or pumpkin is attached to each side of the handle. The baskets measure 3 inches wide by 6 inches long by 4  inches deep.

Sold at: Hobby Lobby stores nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should take the baskets away from children immediately and return them to Hobby Lobby for a $2 exchange card.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Hobby Lobby at (800) 326-7931 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.hobbylobby.com

   

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24157591.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Children's Wooden Storage Rack Recalled By Jetmax International Following Child's Death

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jetmax International Ltd., of Irving, Texas is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 boy's and girl's storage racks with canvas totes.

The storage rack can tip over, posing an entrapment and suffocation hazard to young children.

CPSC has received one report of a death involving an 8-month-old boy who was asphyxiated after he pulled on the storage rack and it fell over on him. The top rail landed on the infant's neck. No other incidents have been reported.

The storage rack is wooden with three levels and nine removable canvas totes. There are wooden handles on each side of the rack. The boy's storage rack has natural color wood with red, yellow, green, and navy canvas totes. The girl's storage rack has white colored wood with pink, yellow, lime, and purple canvas totes.

Wal-Mart sold the storage rack under the brand "Home Trend Kids 9 Canvas Bin Boy's and Girl's Organizers."

The storage racks were manufactured in China.

They were sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2004 through July 2005 and Ollie's stores nationwide from July 2006 through June 2007 for about $40. Consumers should immediately stop children from using the recalled storage racks and contact Jetmax International to receive a free repair kit that adds stability to the base.

For additional information, contact Jetmax at (800) 689-2168 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, visit the firm's Web site at www.jlwoodenmfg.com, or email info@jlwoodenmfg.com

    

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf39354355.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Metal Jewelry Sold by Family Dollar Stores Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure to Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Rachel Rose and Distinctly Basics Assorted Children's Jewelry

Units: About 205,000

Manufacturer: Family Dollar Stores, of Charlotte, N.C.

Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recalled jewelry was sold under the Rachel Rose and Distinctly Basics brands and includes key rings and pins with religious themes (crosses and fish symbols), key rings with "Mom" and cheerleader charms; bracelets with charms like handbags, flip flops, hearts, dresses, and flowers; silver-colored rings with designs or stones in a variety of colors; clutchless hoop earrings with decorations such as butterflies; and filigree and long drop earrings with stones in a variety of colors. Sold at: Family Dollar stores nationwide from January 2003 through August 2007 for between $.50 and $2. A complete list of the recalled jewelry can be found at www.familydollar.com

Sold at: Hobby Lobby stores nationwide from August 2007 through November 2007 for about $1.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to a Family Dollar store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Family Dollar at (800) 547-0359 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.familydollar.com

Note: The New York Attorney General provided information about one of these products to the Commission.

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98108756.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Cooper Lighting Recalls Fluorescent Shop Lights Due to Electrical Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Metalux Fluorescent Shop Lights

Units: About 274,000

Distributor: Cooper Lighting Inc., a division of Cooper Industries, of Houston, Texas

Hazard: When the two prongs on the plug's electrical cord are touched simultaneously while lamps are installed, the light can pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Cooper Lighting has received six reports of consumers experiencing an electric shock. No serious injuries have occurred.

Description and Model: This recall involves the Metalux fluorescent shop lights Model 9240. Only date codes between December 1, 2006 ("344 06") and September 14, 2007 ("257 07") are included in this recall. The date code format includes the day and the year. For example, "344 06" refers to the 344th day of year 2006, or December 1, 2006. The model number and date code can be found on the packaging and on labels adhered to the fixture housing.

Sold at: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from January 2007 to October 2007 for between $8 and $10.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the light fixture immediately and uninstall it according to instructions posted at www.cooperlighting.com. The fixture should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or credit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cooper Lighting at (800) 440-1676 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.cooperlighting.com

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf50044236.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print

Discount School Supply Recalls Paint Brushes Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Shaving Paint Brushes

Units: About 20,000

Importer: Discount School Supply, of Monterey, Calif.

Hazard: Surface paint on the brush handles can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: The recall involves a set of six "shaving-style" brushes, which are about 4-inches long. The brushes' handles are painted blue, purple, orange, yellow, lime green, and pink. The item number #SHVBRSH is printed on the product's packaging. Brush sets with handles in brown, dark blue, red, green, blue, and black are not included in this recall. The recalled brushes were also included with the "BioColor® Foam Paint Starter Kit" and "Colorations® Foam Paint Starter Kit."

Sold by: Discount School Supply's catalog and Web site from May 2004 through August 2007 for about $5. The BioColor® kits were sold from May 2004 through June 2006 for about $60. The Colorations® kits were sold from July 2006 through August 2007 for about $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the brushes immediately and contact Discount School Supply to receive a free replacement brush set.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Discount School Supply at (800) 293-9314 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday; visit the firm's Web site at www.discountschoolsupply.com or e-mail the firm at brushrecall@discountschoolsupply.com

Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79588859.tip.html

Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Rate It: | Print