|
|
|
Vol. 8, Num. 180, September 15, 2009 (Read It Online) Do you have any fall home maintenance tips to share with the ThriftyFun community? Submit them here: http://www.thriftyfun.com/post_contest.ldml Be sure to give a "thumbs up" to tips and recipes that you like. Your ratings are used to pick the winners." Thanks for reading, The ThriftyFun Team
Edit Your Subscriptions: To edit your ThriftyFun subscriptions, click the Update Profile/Email Address link at the bottom of this newsletter.
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:
Reuse Cake Mix Bag For Decorating When I make cupcakes from a cake mix, I always save the bag. I rinse the bag out, dry it, clip a corner and insert a decorating tip inside. It makes a perfect disposable frosting bag and these bags are super strong. By norulesart from Sunny Florida Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18712751.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Geese go a walking! My Grandson was looking out the window and he saw 4 geese go a walking right down the middle of our street. He counted "one, two, three, four, is there any more?" By sally54 from Buffalo, NY Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf49459246.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
These tall sunflower type flowers can be seen from my kitchen window. They grow abundantly in our back yard along the tree line. However, I think they may be a weed. They do look beautiful at this time of year and are full of activity, from bumble bees, to birds, to butterflies, and other creatures. By morbetomommy from Topeka, KS Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf99669888.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Ryleigh (Gator) is almost 8 months old and a German Shepherd. Our neighbor found him and knew we were looking for another dog. He loves to chew and he snaps his jaws quickly like an alligator, hence his nickname, Ryleigh Gator. Ryleigh has a pretty marking on his chest that looks like a hawk or an angel. He loves to go out with my husband when he hangs clothes on the clothesline. :-) By johnsonpartyof4 from Tipton, OK Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf31634657.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Princess is 7 years old and a Sheltie Mix. We adopted her from the shelter over 6 years ago. I knew she was the one, because as we were walking through looking at the dogs and I stopped in front of her cage, she leaned over and licked my hand. She loves to eat, sleep, watch Animal Planet, and especially go for rides in the car. I love her more than anything. She has brought more joy to our lives than we ever thought possible. Please, consider adopting from a shelter when you get a pet. The dog or cat will be so grateful to you. By teddygirl Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf24726099.tip.html
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
These contests are weekly. We pick 2 tip winners and 1 photo winner at the end of each week. Each winner will win $25!
Watch Store Receipts For Contests Lately I've been looking at my store receipts. Almost every time, I notice a website to go to to complete a satisfaction survey. You seem to either get coupons or a chance to win gift cards from the store. The latest place I went to was Burger King. If you did an automated phone survey which took about 5 minutes, you got a special validation code to redeem a free sandwich with purchase of drink and fries. So make sure you look at your receipts and see what you can get for free or win! This mainly applies to big chains, smaller independent stores don't seem to have these perks unfortunately. Happy Shopping! By freya1970 from Halifax, NS Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf77313033.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Link: PocketMod Personal Planner. This is WONDERFUL, and so useful. Print this on the back of ads in newspapers that are inserts, and they don't have any printing on the backs, I get plenty of these each week, because the little booklets are only printed on one side. Put your cursor over each page, and it will tell you what pages are, the top two are Front and Back, and the others say which pages they are. Design your little personal organizer that fits right into your pocket or purse. I use them for shopping lists, food diary, story board, games while waiting, contact names, guitar tabs, keeping track of debit and credit purchases. Create the calendars however you want them, for one day all the way to a full year. They also have a place to put coupons, receipts, business cards, etc. Just print it, fold on the lines, one little cut with scissors where it shows to cut, and fold it into a little booklet. The person who created the PocketMod is fantastic and the one who should be given the credit for this tip. I hope that it gets updated soon too. Source: I found it recently on my Favorites list from a couple of years ago, so, I don't remember where I found the PocketMod. It's wonderful though. By Kathi from Grand Rapids, MI Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf26887383.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Share Your Children's Interests As my children were growing up, I often read the books and watched the programs they enjoyed. Then I could discuss what they'd watched or read from a more knowledgeable position. This was a great way to keep our mother-child bond strong. As a result, I never had problems with my children being embarrassed to be seen with me, and could even kiss and hug them in front of their friends without angst. Even though they're all grown and living on their own, we still keep in close touch. It's mostly via Facebook (we're on each other's buddy lists,) but the bond is the important thing. Source: personal experience raising four children. Live simply. Find joy in small things. By JustPlainJo, Springfield, OH Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12734635.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Save And Dry Flowers For Child's Wedding A great way to save the flowers from your beloved is to use a large clear designer jar of your choosing. Start off with every time you receive flowers. After the beauty has faded, dry them and add into the jar. Continue this, including the flowers from your wedding bouquet, and adding more flowers to them through the years. Add some lavender or floral oil to add a bit of subtle scent as it will look like potpourri. Use these dried flowers at your son or daughter's wedding by spreading them down the aisle. It will bring many memories to mind and tears to your eyes as you see the petals tossed down the aisle. Save a small amount as a starter for the new couple and pass the container on to them as well. It is very touching and ever so romantic to see the flowers of love used to start a new marriage. Tell friends and family of this idea and watch their reactions. Source: I came up with this after a bride was taken aback at the cost of bouquet preservation, she loved the idea and actually purchased the container from me as well! By Beau D from Vancouver, WA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48794708.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Use Ziplock Bags With Your Handi-Vac This is for all the folks that have purchased the Reynolds Handi-Vac and now have to find an alternative for their machine. Please DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. Ziploc Brand bags work with your Handi-Vac pump and they cost about a third the price. Any wonder Reynolds thinks it's a good idea to discontinue the bags? By jbod from Pittsburgh, PA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf48348463.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Use A Box Lid To Organize Cupboard Cut down a box lid to custom fit the shelf in your cupboard to place pans or dishes on, grab and slide out for easy reach and storage! By Deb from Woodland, CA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91238634.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Use A Sanitary Napkin As A Wound Dressing My friend recently had breast surgery for cancer and when the drainage tube was taken out she had an infection. She was told to keep a clean bandage on at all times. The bandage would be soiled in a couple of hours. I suggested she use a sanitary napkin in its place. She has had success with this idea as the pad is more absorbent. Also, a few years back, one of my children had wisdom teeth removed. I was not prepared when she came home so used tampax pads which she was able to place in the area which was bleeding. Anything in a pinch. By Mary C. from Newark, California Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf67185606.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Add Laundry Detergent Before Clothes When doing laundry, I fill washer with water, adding 1 cup baking soda and your choice of laundry detergent while it is filling. I run the washer for 30 seconds to distribute the detergent and soda. I then add my clothes and wash as normal. This way, all the clothes get the detergent evenly, not just the top ones. Yes, I have a place to put it in before the washer, but I think this cleans the clothing more evenly. I add bleach the same way. I do see a difference. I also use plain laundry detergent to get out stains! I use a small squirt bottle that Tide gave away years ago, but any small squirt bottle (dish liquid bottle?)will do. I squirt the offending stain with the detergent and add to load as usual. My husband's work T-shirts have sweat stains on the collar that do not come out with bleach and they are always gone with this method. Source: My single adult son! Who would have guessed he was so savvy. By eiw from Lancaster, PA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12982805.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Mark Coupon Holder With Phone Number If you use a coupon holder when you shop, it is a good idea to put your phone number in it and a note saying: "If found, please call...". Last week I decided to do this because I have been so forgetful lately. To me, coupons are valuable since they help me save money. I shop several different stores so I usually have quite a few coupons with me. The other day, it happened. I had left it laying at the checkout aisle after checking out. When I got home, there was a message on my answering machine, letting me know that my coupon holder was left at the store. By mkymlp from NE PA Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18508688.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Cleaning Residue Off Hardwood Floors Use Ammonia Free Windex to remove Orange Glo, Mop and Glo, Quick Shine or the like (we had all three on our Brazilian cherry distressed floors) from laminate or polyurethane finished hardwood floors. It is a 2 person job; one spraying, letting set for a minute or so, and then scrubbing with back of kitchen sponge-scrubber side, the other wiping up to make sure haze doesn't dry and reset with a clean damp towel. This does require lots of elbow grease. It will be tough but Ammonia Free Windex dissolves the build-up best and works better than any of the other solutions mentioned (including Bruce hardwood cleaner, it gets gummy and if floors are distressed it gets in all the indentations) and we ie it to be the safest solution for your floors. We tried the others and speak from 1000 feet of back breaking experience. Follow up with steam mop. For cleaning intervals, use Bona or Bruce wood floor cleaners and steam mop. You would be fine with just a vacuum and steam mop too. My wife mixes a little Pine Sol in an extra Windex bottle with water for general cleaning with the steam mop to give floors a germ free clean smell. And it doesn't streak. Listen, this is hard work but there is a solution that works without paying a fortune to hire a professional. Floors are now clean enough to eat off them. By lanceb from Houston Contest Contender!
Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf53510539.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Excited Dog Peeing in the House What can I do to stop my 8 month old Dachshund from peeing when someone bends down to pet her? By Eleanoro from Williamston, SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf820454.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do you clean a dishwasher? By diedraw from Mayfield Heights, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf678441.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do you remove mold from shoes? By mardie09 Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf270137.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: My husband put a mug in the microwave and walked away. I was in the bedroom when I smelled smoked. When I came out it was on fire and the whole place was filled with smoke. I have tried cleaning it out, but it still remains black inside. Is it possible to get it white again? By coseme from London, UK Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf159495.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Where can I find cheap cleaning items for leather and suede jackets? I need to remove stinky smells and stubborn dirt and dust on my suede jacket? By ninotchka from Manila, Philippines Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf93651053.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Can you remove or cover up rust from a car's wheel-well? I have an older car that has begun to rust just above one of the tires on the body of the car. I would love to hear any tips. By tamhans from MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf25809402.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: What is the best way to clean and preserve pennies? By doc from MO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96311875.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Birthday Gift Ideas for a Guitar Player My boyfriend is turning 23 in a few weeks and I need gift ideas. I'm on a limited budget, but I would really like to do something fun. He loves music and plays the guitar, but I know nothing about guitars and getting him a CD would be pointless. Any ideas? By Vipercnl from CO Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000648.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do I kill fleas in my house, garage, and yard? I don't have carpet on the floors. By stress-out from Upland, CA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf001410.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Removing Hard Water Stains from Showers and Tubs I am having a problem with my glass shower doors. They feel clean so I think it's hard water stains. I have tried lots of things and am now wondering if I will have to replace them. By annmarie53 from Ireland Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf351538.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Wedding Reception Decoration Ideas I am having a hard time deciding what to do about chairs for my reception. How or what do I use to decorate them? I would want a different wedding. Any ideas as to what would make it different? I'm stressing out because my wedding is going be in a green farm field with hay stacks and grass and wheat, but I also want all kinds of tulips and roses. Is that wrong or what? By weddinggurl2010 from GA/WV/IA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29890319.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: 12 Days of Christmas Float Ideas I need ideas on a float with the theme of the "12 Days of Christmas". By Yellowwolf from Mattawan, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60267447.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: What is the best way to get rid of scorpions? I need something that will not effect the safety of my grandkids. By mrfrankco Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46461097.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: What do you use to get fish smell from the carpet in your car? Thanks. By Joyladybug from Lacombe, LA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29277954.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do I remove mold from the bathroom ceiling? By CHELLE60FOUR from Detroit, MI Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf914780.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: For about the past 3 weeks my dog (a pitbull/lab mix) has been itching terribly. I called my vet and they said it is probably just seasonal allergies and fleas and told me to treat her for both. I have had her on Benadryl (6 pills per day) and she has been Frontlined. However, I don't think the Frontline is working. I know she has fleas. I have given her baths in Dawn dish liquid and also a Tea Tree oil/aloe shampoo. By her back end she is almost bare and is scabbing over. It looks awful. She gnaws at herself and itches all the time. I have tried different things such as hydrocortisone salve for dogs, and Dr. Golds itch relief. I did the oatmeal in the sock back when it first started, but it didn't seem to help. I am willing to try anything to save myself a vet bill, but I am thinking it is about time for the vet. Does anyone else have any recommendations? I am going to get some plain tea tree oil at the Natural store to give that a try. Does anyone know if that would be OK to put on her area that's scabbed? She doesn't have any problem other then in her back end. I would appreciate any help out there. I am willing to try it all, but if nothing works Friday she will go to the vet. Thanks so much for your help. By luvmydogs from ME Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf376730.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping I have a 15 amp breaker that started tripping last night. I unplugged everything on that circuit and it still trips. I even replaced the breaker with a 20 amp breaker from another circuit and it trips. Any ideas? By JtownEsquire from Johnstown, PA Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf61231405.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Two months ago, I moved into my first ever me-only apartment, or so I thought. Ever since day one, I've almost been over run by roaches. I've tried almost everything, My apartment has an exterminator who comes once a week, just as long as I let the office know that I need an exterminator. I've had my apartment sprayed 3 of the 4 times I've asked them to show up. I've gone through almost 4 cans of Raid, my mom and I scrubbed my apartment from top to bottom, throwing away anything the roaches might like (cardboard, flour, etc.). Then we bombed the apartment with a fogger. I've put boric acid down everywhere and the number have diminished ever so slightly, but not enough to celebrate. I've even tried to spray and put boric acid behind the fridge and stove. I refuse to move, nor do I have the time or money to move (some people I've talked to recommend I break the lease and move). I have woken up in the middle of the night with a roach or two crawling on me (needless to say those quickly became very long nights). Please, tell me if there's something I can do. I'm at my wits end trying to find a way to get rid of them By Pterapink from Phoenix, AZ Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf873003.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: How do I get rid of flies outside before a pool party? By dllatham from midwest, IL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf60302832.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Color Bleeding When Washing a Quilt for the First Time I made a quilt from squares of blue flannel (with white dogs in the pattern) and white flannel. I washed it and dried it first. When I was done sewing it I washed it again and the blue ran in to the white squares. How can I get the white squares white again without changing the blue squares? Brenda Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf40329670.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: My dog has a lot of gas. Should I change his food? By montaldi from San Antonio Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf44117101.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I am looking for a natural repellent for cats. By oleken from Rising Star, TX Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf29754699.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Frigidaire Ice Maker Not Working My Frigidaire ice maker has stopped functioning. I removed it, warmed it with a hair dryer, confirmed water flow, and put it back in place. To date (48 hours), no ice has been made nor has the system shown any activity of any kind. By bil43dar from Longs Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf97378506.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Dog Is Itchy After Being Groomed I adopted a shih tzu and her fur was very matted so I took her to the groomers. They had to shave some parts close to her skin due to the fact that she was so full of knots in her fur. Later when I brought her home she kept licking her private spot and her paws and sometimes she rubs her butt on the rug. She never did that before she got groomed. Any answers? Thanks. By katsmeow5256 from Macedon, NY Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf52650786.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Paint Color Ideas for a Sports Bar I am in the process of building a sports bar and I need some help with the color scheme. The place is an open area around 2400 sq ft, with 11' ceilings and exposed spiral duct work. There will be drywall on the ceilings and walls. I want to leave the duct work its natural color of a stainless look and I'm looking to do my floors in a charcoal gray color and the ceiling a light gray. I'm just lost with what colors to use on my walls. Please help! By Thirstylion from Cleveland, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf12216503.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I am looking for places where vacation rentals could be listed. The property in question is in New York, but people from all over the world come to stay there. I am aware of Craigslist, but I was wondering what else is out there. Thanks. By brigitte from Israel Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82734352.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Buying Wooden Privacy Fence Panels Does anyone know where I can purchase (other than Home Depot or Lowe's) reasonably priced wooden privacy fencing panels or individual boards that I can have installed? By frugalfinds from Charlotte, NC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57761669.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: Rules for Hull Gull Marble Game Back in the 50's my grandfather played a marble game with me called hull gull. I need the rules for this game if anyone has them. I know you put marbles in your hand and said "hull gull". The other person said "hand full" and then the other person said "how many?" and had to guess. I don't remember what happens next. By packlestax from Vandalia, OH Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf57877519.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I'm wondering what website(s) are the best for on-line digital photo developing in terms of price, promos like free shipping, ease of use, extra features such as optional borders, etc. I've used Winkflash for years due to their low price (6 cents for 4x6 prints), but am frustrated with lost photos in my shopping cart, the time taken to crop off 2 white edges on each of my pictures to get my manually cropped pictures in Picasa to format correctly, etc. I just signed up each member of our family for Snapfish's 50 free prints for new members and free shipping offer that expired on 9/13, but I had to go through each picture in the crop feature of the program and eliminate a lot of them from being printed. With their 4x6 format, a lot of my pictures would have been cropped too much. Maybe if I did no cropping in Picasa to start out with I'd avoid these types of problems and time wasters, but I enjoy being able to manually crop my pictures just the way I want them. Thanks for your advice. By kcow from Sandy, UT Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf96938434.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It: I adopted a kitten on Aug. 29th and the following Monday had to take him back because he was very sick. They came and told me he has Panleukopenia. They are treating him now and I my other 2 inside cats got shots for this. I am going to get him tomorrow and bring him home to see if we can get him to eat. I went to see him Friday and he wants out of the cage. I am going to put him in my spare room. I really fell in love with him the two short days I had him. Am I wrong in wanting to bring him back home? By 10catgirl from SC Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf18788563.tip.html
Email to a Friend
|
Get Responses
|
Bookmark
|
Link
|
Print
|
Rate It:
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:
|
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
