Daily Thrifty Tips - June 22, 2009

Vol. 8, Num. 121, June 22, 2009 (Read It Online) We hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and all the fathers had a great Father's Day. There is still time to vote for last week's contest contenders, you can view them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/contest.ldml?contest=14336 Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to photos and tips you like in this newsletter. The posts with the most postive ratings win the contests. Share Your Laundry Tips! Do you have any tips for taming the laundry monster? Post your laundery tip here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml 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: Creative Window Treatments Garden: No Drought This Year Bing The Dog Mattie & Scoobie (Chiweenie) Today's Tips: Keep Small Amount of Wall Paint in Refrigerator Doll High Chair for a Plant Stand Hair Conditioner for Shaving Your Legs Key Locks Differently Burnt Stainless Steel Pan Boiling Water for Berry Stains Joke of the Day New Requests: Repurposing an Old Basketball Goal Post With No Backboard Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping Homemade Starch Repairing a Singer Magic Steam Press 7 Removing Water Marks from Wood Furniture Exercises For Your Face USB Cord for Sony Camera Model #DCR-HC21 Photos from Hp Printer Have Blue Tint Getting Rid of Mites on Pets and Owner Finding Non Toxic Cleaning Products Stains on Clothing from Dye Transferring in the Wash Removing Blood from Fabric Getting Rid of Flies Reviews of Smooth Away Shaving System Removing Crayon from a Door Healthy Oil for Popcorn Thrifty Apartment Decorating Decorating My Room Inexpensively Brown Algae in Freshwater Fish Tank High Price of Pepper Acrylic Nails React to Sun Tan Lotion Painting Advice for Bathroom Non Toxic Mold Cleaners Knobs for Kenmore Stove Top Getting A Deeper Tan Treating the Lawn for Dog Parasites Using Wine Bottles in Landscaping as a Border Manual for Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven Decorating Ideas for a Masquerade Ball Husqvarna Riding Mower Won't Start More Reading: My Frugal Life: Starting With Sewing 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: Creative Window Treatments I'm really happy with the window treatments that a friend helped me create for my family room. Instead of using curtain rods, we hung sheer panels on inexpensive metal candle holders purchased from Old Tyme Pottery. We used rubber bands to hold the two panels together on the long side which made a 'bow' at the top, and then just draped the shorter piece across the top and down the side. It makes the room look cozy and a bit ethereal. The two windows were done for under $125! By Suzanne from Ft. Myers, Florida Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf55942693.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Garden: No Drought This Year The best water for the garden, no drought this year! Is this too much water? By Beth from FT. Blackmore, VA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf72811863.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Bing The Dog Bing is a 12 year old Heinz 57 variety. I got from the ASPCA, 11 years ago.He loves to bark at squirrels and go for walks in the woods. Bing is scared of thunder and in this picture, it had started to thunder and he went to the oven door and started scratching to get in. When we opened the door, he jumped in, oven racks and all. His nickname for the longest time after that was Hot Dog. By Patty K. from Turbotville, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34988530.tip.html Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Mattie & Scoobie (Chiweenie) Mattie and Scoobie are 5 months old. Chiweenie is the breed of these puppies. These pups belong to my son, who got them from my neighbor about 3 months ago. They like to sleep, eat and go outside. These are called Chiweenie Dogs. They are a mix of Chihuahua and Miniature Dachsund. They are a designer hybrid that is not recognized by the AKC yet. By flor2007 from Valdosta, GA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf58965401.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: Keep Small Amount of Wall Paint in Refrigerator Keep a small container of your wall paint in your refrigerator for quick touch up jobs. The paint stays fresh and you don't have to drag out a heavy messy paint can for small jobs. By susluvsvintage from Pontiac, IL Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16996532.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Doll High Chair for a Plant Stand I had a baby doll high chair that wasn't being used. I put a plant in it, and it makes a good plant stand. It is so cute! By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf17748921.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Hair Conditioner for Shaving Your Legs Shaving lotion. I use hair conditioner to shave my legs. Saves tons of $ on expensive shaving gels and lotions. This also moisturizes and softens your skin. Been doing this for years, and it works great. Saves time in shower and money on "beauty" items. I often buy store brand or cheap conditioner on sale, 79 cents a bottle, and stash it away. By Carla from Sellersville, PA Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf612390.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Key Locks Differently I used to want to have all of my door locks to be keyed the same. However I have recently realized, that there are times when I'd like to be able to allow someone into my house, when I am away on vacation for example, or to check on my pets. If you have a doorknob lock keyed differently than the deadbolt lock, you can leave just one of them locked to allow someone with only that key to enter, and they won't be able to enter at other times. By Lynn from Albany, NY Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12713508.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Burnt Stainless Steel Pan I burnt my stainless steel saucepan making jam, really bad. I rang my mum and she told me to cut up onions and boil it in water. I thought I might share this, as after an hour of boiling, my saucepan is clean and shining again. Hope this helps others. Cheers, Judy Australia Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf63252164.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Boiling Water for Berry Stains I had some dark red beverage spilled on our polyester tablecloth and didn't realize it until the next day when I was putting the table back to normal size and taking the tablecloth off. It so happened I was talking to my friend who told me her granddaughter had thrown up blackberries all over her light colored dress, white shoes, and her mom's dress. My friend scraped off the berry seeds; boiled water and poured the boiling water over the 2 dresses and shoes. Presto! Stains completely gone. I tried this on my tablecloth - same result! I also poured boiling water over the cloth napkins as some of them had food stains and lipstick on them and the stains came right out. I then took out a very old, delicate lace tablecloth which had some very old coffee and other miscellaneous stains on it. I had been reluctant to toss it but embarrassed to use because of the stains. Presto! After pouring boiling water over the stains, they disappeared! I think this would work on grass stains, wine stains, or any type of stain. Coffee, tea and lipstick, and hubby's grease-stained clothes are the ones which I've fought with for years. I wish I had known about this when our daughter was a baby and then youth and stained so many beautiful clothes. Now that I know this trick, I'll be saving energy, time and money on stain removal products. By mfeld from Twin Cities, MN Contest Contender! This post is a contest contender! Read it and then Rate it: Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf790342.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Dear Webby's Joke of the Day A customer wanted to ask his attractive waitress for a date. but couldn't get her attention. When he was able to catch her eye, she quickly looked away. Finally he followed her into the kitchen and blurted out his invitation. To his amazement she readily consented. He said, "Why have you been avoiding me all this time? You wouldn't even make eye contact." "Oh," replied the waitress," I thought you wanted more coffee, and it's too close to shift change to make another pot." Read More Jokes Here: http://webby.com/humor New Requests: Repurposing an Old Basketball Goal Post With No Backboard This is going to sound like an odd question, but hoping some one might have some ideas. We have an old in ground basketball goal. The backboard gave out months ago and now I am stuck with a metal pole sticking out of the ground. Our home owner's association sent me a nasty letter asking me to remove it or put up a new backboard (understandably). The backboard and arm extension needed is going to run me over $150, and it will never get used. In the interest of saving some cash I'm looking for any ideas on what I could do with the pole? Any ideas on maybe adding something to it to repurpose it making it part of the landscaping? Any good ideas are appreciated. By jdelmart from Crosby, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70850110.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping I have a 20 amp breaker with red test button. The only thing running off it is a microwave. The breaker has never tripped till about 2 weeks ago. Can the breaker just be worn out and if so would it just trip any time you put some power to it? Thanks. Thomas By thurst from Champaign IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61231405.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Homemade Starch Would anyone have a recipe for making a stiff starch to put on an organdy christening dress, to perk it up. I'd appreciate it. Thank you. By GrannieRoz from MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001238.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Repairing a Singer Magic Steam Press 7 I'm changing the switch on a Singer Magic Steam Press 7. I believe I have wired it incorrectly as the on/off switch lights when I plug it in. I wired it as follows: pin 5 to lamp, pin 4 to red (live) wire, pin 2 to blue (neutral) wire. Can anyone tell me if this is correct? By columbus from Nottingham, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf90144610.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Water Marks from Wood Furniture How do I remove water marks from wood? By pecoNdon from Jonesboro, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf939047.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Exercises For Your Face Looking for effective facial exercises. I have lost just enough weight to cause tiny folds. Thanks. By Anne from Lewiston, ME Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91886162.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | USB Cord for Sony Camera Model #DCR-HC21 I need a USB cord for Sony video camera model #DCR-HC21 for under $20.00. I need this to transfer footage to my computer. By marigny12 from New Orleans, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33022950.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Photos from Hp Printer Have Blue Tint Why do pictures come out with a blue tint from an HP printer? I went to their site, they will charge for an answer. I will not pay. I have also searched online, no luck. Thanks very much. By kffrmw88 from Dothan Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf66345146.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Rid of Mites on Pets and Owner I went to the vet and had the cats' skin scraped and the diagnosis is Sarcoptic mites. I adopted a little dog about a month ago and it seems her former owners had a bout of mange and she was not treated, so not knowing it she must be the culprit who brought them in. I had no idea she was infested she had no hair loss but sleeps with the cats and they look awful. Anyway, she and several of my cats sleep on the bed and pillows and with me at night at various times. I was at the vet on Thursday and dosed everyone with Revolution. Then I went to the pharmacy and got over the counter sulfur creme and perythrin shampoo for lice. I could not go to the doctor, as I have no health insurance. I have started itching and see tiny red dots on my skin so obviously I have also gotten the "bugs". Several posts I have read have said that you cannot get mange from your animals, but my vet says different and apparently he is right. I also read that the mites on the dogs and cats will not survive very long on humans, but it is now the second day and I am seeing more bites, like a rash and they itch like hell. I have washed all the toys, clothes, bed linens, pet beds, etc. with borax and sprayed bug spray on everything. Tonight I will try the borax in the bed. My dogs are still scratching. I must have had them for at least a month and thought it was fleas until I treated everyone for fleas and they were still scratching and losing their hair and I couldn't find a flea anywhere. I also read that Nature's Miracle was a remedy and bought a gallon of it, even sprayed it on myself. My question is: How long are these critters going to remain on me and how do I get them off of me? I also have a baby granddaughter that I don't dare touch or hold until this is cleared up. Can my daughter or the baby get the mites if they are just near me or do they have to come into contact with my skin? Help. By foldlady from South FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf73925729.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Finding Non Toxic Cleaning Products I have been buying a lot of products to clean the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and my stove. The problem is everything, makes me have coughing fits. Does anyone know of something that I don't have to wear a mask to use, and that I can use to clean all these items? It is costing a fortune to use them once and then I can't use the product any more. Thank you. Rose By mizz_rosa01 from Melbourne, Victoria Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40143058.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Stains on Clothing from Dye Transferring in the Wash I washed a red and white dress. The red bled on the white. How can I get the white back to white? By sandi29803 from Aiken, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96616080.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Blood from Fabric How do you remove blood stains from fabrics? By nickyleroux from South Africa Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001097.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting Rid of Flies I have a horse next door which creates lots of flies. I use fly bait and they take it. But I also have porch flies which don't take the regular bait and they just stay circling on the porch. Any suggestions? By pbshepherding from Graham, WA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60302832.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Reviews of Smooth Away Shaving System Will anything happen to your body after using the Smooth Away product? By dancinqueen101 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75115632.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Removing Crayon from a Door How do I remove crayon from a wood door? By gerrilag Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75251164.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Healthy Oil for Popcorn What kind of oil is 'healthy" for popping popcorn on the stove top? By t_mboer Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf33211763.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Thrifty Apartment Decorating I am looking for tips on decorating an apartment thrifty style. I am a single mom and full time college student. I am trying to keep costs down (recent downsizing at work so I tighten the belt even more). I'm in Houston. Please share ideas for getting items cheaply to furnish home. I have obtained items through a couple nearby thrift stores and Craigslist. Sadly even some thrift stores prices are outside of my budget. Any tips, or if anyone knows of any good thrift stores? Thanks for your ideas. By yurika975 from Houston, tx Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf16324557.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Decorating My Room Inexpensively I live outside of America and I want to decorate my room. I can't paint my room. I want to either use homemade stuff or find cheap stuff to decorate with. Any suggestions? By lollipop123 from Lautoka, Fiji Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96474138.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Brown Algae in Freshwater Fish Tank We have a 55-gallon fresh water fish tank. We are experiencing brown algae. Can anyone suggest how to keep the algae under control? Thank you. By mousal from Mount Pleasant, IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf27068974.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | High Price of Pepper I would like to know if anyone else has noticed the price of black pepper? I have brought it for many years, at 2 @ $ 1.00. I still find the other spices but when it comes to regular black pepper it is $ 1.00 each, not 2 for a dollar. I even noticed that different peppers (lemon pepper, etc.) are still the same price and some places don't even have the regular pepper. Does anyone know what happen? By JSRS443 from East TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf79876988.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Acrylic Nails React to Sun Tan Lotion Last year I had acrylic nails put on before going on a cruise. While on the cruise the sun tan lotion reacted with the nails and left a gummy finish on the acrylic. I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to prevent this besides using plastic gloves to apply the lotion? Thanks. By homesteaddreamer from MD Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61813735.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Painting Advice for Bathroom I want to paint the walls in my bathroom. The tiles around the bath are white with little squares of black and a light green and a blue green. The tiles on the floor are a grey black. I was thinking of painting the walls a dark grey. I don't like green. Is a dark grey colour too dark for a bathroom wall? Looking for any suggestions? Thank you. By lvecchio from Ireland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43226059.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Non Toxic Mold Cleaners What is the best way to clean mold in the shower and around other areas, that is non-toxic. I don't want to use chlorine bleach. Thanks. By joannei from Fayetteville, AR Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf54237850.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Knobs for Kenmore Stove Top I need to replace the knobs on a gas stove top, the knobs do not fit. The stove top is a Kenmore purchased in 1999. By mswhite from Tucker, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48687998.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Getting A Deeper Tan How can I get a deeper tan? By sunbaby23 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61967530.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Treating the Lawn for Dog Parasites I've been reading that you can treat your yard with bleach and lime alternately to help control the dogs becoming reinfected by certain worms and other parasites. What I can't seem to find are the measurements that are effective for killing the parasite and not the lawn. Does anyone know the proper measurements? We worm our dogs on a regular basis and do what we can to keep the waste picked up, but living in the South where it is hot and humid most of the year, we need all the help we can get. By SusanLee from Millwood, GA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf70986502.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Using Wine Bottles in Landscaping as a Border I saw an article with pictures many years ago in Architectural Digest with cut off wine bottles of all sizes and colors. They were placed upside down, making a row. Has anyone seen this design and can help me to do this on my horseshoe driveway. I have a picture in my mind, but find it hard to put it in the ground. Thanks. By Texas Judy from Trinidad, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf98857094.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Manual for Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven I have a Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven (round glass) AX707 and no instructions how to use or recipes. Any suggestions? Appreciate any help. Thanks. By jochatz from Tucson, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf94497534.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Decorating Ideas for a Masquerade Ball I need decoration ideas for a Masquerade 21st birthday. I am really stuck for ideas on how to decorate for a Masquerade. I have very little imagination so I would truly appreciate if someone can send me photos. Thank you. By Razzy Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf319708.tip.html Email to a Friend | Get Responses | Bookmark | Link | Print | Rate It: | Husqvarna Riding Mower Won't Start I have a Husqvarna YTH1842 tractor mower. When I was mowing the other day I stopped for five minutes, then it wouldn't start. There was a lot of back fire. I changed the spark plug and the fuel filter, but that didn't help. Before the season I changed the oil for the first time. When changing the plug I think a little fuel (or carb cleaner) came out. I took off the air filter and sprayed carb cleaner in there and started a small fire. Please help. By bfelon from Franklin, MA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf68735283.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: My Frugal Life: Starting With Sewing My husband and I have 6 children, (so far) Kriztina 18, Chriztopher 16, Lyndzie 13, Jacob and Joshua 4 1/2, and Matthew 19 months. Frugality for us started about 14 years ago. I would say I started out with sewing. I made my oldest two children's school clothes one year and found I loved sewing and loved seeing them get so excited when all the outfits were layed out for them to see. They wore them very proudly and told everyone I made them. I was proud and they were proud a great great moment. Read More: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf43966108.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.