Daytipper Blog

I wish all rejected tips were this hilarious...

2008-05-07T23:07:00.002-06:00

Do you have sweaty hands? If so, Lance has a perfect solution!

"The solution is weird, but it works! During your first piss of the day, pee a bit on your hands, rub together, and then rinse off afterwards. Sounds gross, but it works!"

Someone out there willing to try this and report back?

Vishal is also trying to scam eBay...

2008-04-29T20:23:00.003-06:00

His tip says...

"If you are selling on e bay or similar site...then just tell one of your friend to bid simultaneously on higher rates...this will prompt other bidders to bid on even high rates...and you will earn more...if your friend gets the item on bidding no need to worry you can put it up again...and if someone other then the buck you are...the other way is to make a second account and then bid from it...this will not require any friend's consent...go make bucks."

I'm not saying this kind of thing doesn't happen. However, this practice is certainly unlawful and Daytipper isn't into promoting advice that is illicit. This tip was rejected for obvious reasons.

A cure for the common cold? I think not. REJECTED!

2008-04-29T20:20:00.002-06:00

Here is Vishal's suggestion on how you can fight the common cold...

This is a sure shot tip... If you want to fight chilly cold...then just take edible oil on your palm and apply it on navel region on your stomach such that it covers the navel.

Another witches brew rejected tip...

2008-04-20T20:03:00.003-06:00

It's not uncommon to get what I call 'witches brew' tips. These tips recommend creating elixirs and potions, all with the intention of curing some ailment. While it's possible I've turned down some brilliant concoctions, I typically error on the side of caution. I'm looking out for you people. :) Here are two good example of what I'm talking about...

How to improve your eye sight

Take a mouthful of cold water and gargle five times a day and try spitting it as far as you can. Sprinkle cold water near your eyes on the face thrice. Massage the bottom of your feet with warm oil and walk barefooted early in the morning on grass turf.

Home remedy for yeast infection

As everyone knows you can prevent a yeast infection by eating yogurt. But once you get one you can treat it quickly by applying honey to the area and leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off. The live cultures in the honey will kill the infection.

Keep Your Pets Comfortable

2008-04-12T08:45:00.000-06:00

Often thought of as an additional family member, the household pet can bring unadulterated love into any home. That means you have to do you part to keep little Lucky or Fido happy! Here are few top tips:

Keep Their Water Cold: Summer is rapidly approaching and the temperature is already rising. Help keep your pet cool and hydrated by making sure you always have a plentiful supply of drinking water available.

TIP: Fill empty plastic margarine bowls with water and freeze. Remove the block of ice and refill for next time. I use the 1 lb size margarine tub for my 2 dog's water bowl but the half lb tub would be good for a smaller water dish for one pet.

Summer is also a popular time for people to move and/or relocated. Don't underestimate the effect this can have on your pet.

TIP: If you are moving to a new house or are getting a new cat this is a great hint for making your cat feel at home quickly. Rub a cloth around the cat's mouth and ears, where scent glands are, then rub this cloth on the walls, floor and furniture in the new house. Humans can't smell it but your cat can- they'll feel relaxed as it's marked out as their territory.

One issue many cat owners face is to claw or declaw. There are two schools of though: have nice stuff/be inhumane OR deal with a frayed couch/be humane. Thankfully, there's now a way to reduce the impact of your cat's claws without removing them.

TIP: If your cat scratches you, your furniture or your small children to the point where you are thinking of having it declawed, save your money and spare the cat a painful operation. Use glue-on claw covers, available online or through vets. They're made of vinyl or plastic, and the cat usually doesn't mind them. You may need the vet to help you put them on, and they will have to be reapplied eventually.

How do you keep that "extra" family member happy?

Gas Saving Tips

2008-04-11T15:37:00.000-06:00

Summer is around the corner and even a slumping economy will not keep travelers off the road. Here's how to get the most miles per gallon possible:

1) Roll up the windows. When air flows into the car, it causes resistance - in turn - producing a drag that will reduce gas mileage by 10%.

2) AM/PM. When filling your tank, try to do so early in the morning or late at night. Your goal is to do it at the coolest time of the day. Cooler temperatures mean denser gas, and that means you're getting more mileage for your money.

3) Humpday. Buy on a Wednesday. I don't care what anyone says, these gas guys jack up the prices late in the week to bang us into the weekend. Once sales slow down in the middle of the week, they need to compete for your business by dropping down prices.

Read more gas tips here. And share your own in the comments section below!

Endless Fun, Countless Applications

2008-04-09T13:37:00.000-06:00

One of the best things about being a kid is that you can't put a price on entertainment. In many cases, little children enjoy the wrapping paper more than the gift that was wrapped! Exhibit 473 that fun is inexpensive: Silly Putty. For about a buck fifty kids can copy comics, create silly characters, and mold the unbreakable toy into just about anything.

But the combination of dimethyl siloxane with hydroxy-terminated polymers (plus tons of other junk) can produce even more uses.

According to this article, here are some often overlooked functions Silly Putty can perform:

Collect lint by flattening Silly Putty and putting the surface of an object. This also works with cat hair.

Remove dirt from car seats by molding Silly Putty into the shape that fits the crevices of the seat.

Clean typewriter keys of ink and ribbon fiber by simply rolling the Silly Putty into a ball and pressing over the keys on the typewriter.

Calm your nerves by playing with Silly Putty. It has a therapeutic value in calming nerves and relieving emotional pressure.

Who knew that the toy, created by accident by an engineer at General Electric, could have so many uses.

How do you use Silly Putty?

Websites You Need to Know About

2008-04-07T18:08:00.002-06:00

The DayTipper blog is your source for the best advice on the Web. But it doesn't end with just tips. Every now and then we'll also turn you on to the newest Websites that can help improve your life. Let's take a look at a Tuesday Threesome:

Get Skinny: Making the right food choices isn't enough for optimal health. A major factor is portion control? But who the heck knows what 3 ounces of chicken looks like. Figwee wants to change that. The Website is a collection of over 30,000 food photos, showing you portion size and nutritional information, all adjustable with a sliding bar.

Get Smart: If you're a high school student who wants to study on the go, or an adult looking to improve your vocabulary, why not turn to your mobile device. TexTutor, a paid service, utilizes text messaging to teach you word definitions by delivering brief quizzes on your phone.

If you know of a great Website that's flying under the radar, let us know about it in the comments section below.

Get More Out of Your Food

2008-04-07T14:13:00.001-06:00

As a kid, whenever the ketchup bottle was low, mom would magically make more appear. Het secret was really no secret at all. As they say, 'just add water.' It wasn't a solution born from poverty, rather convenience.

It appears my mommy isn't the only one who knows how to stretch a product.

Meda in Alamo, TN says: Get twice the frosting from a single container
When you buy a container of cake frosting, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You will be able to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving.

Dancer in Idaho says: Get more sauce for your money. When you finish up bottle of sauce (BBQ, mustard, tomato paste, etc.) that comes in a plastic bottle, cut it open and scoop out the remaining contents. You'll be amazed at how much food product actually goes to waste.

Mary in Secaucus, NJ says: Double your portion with smaller plates. Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that portion control is a key to success. Invest in smaller plates. That way, you will be forced to eat less (or at least make more trips for seconds!).

Maybe you were on to something, mom!

Friday's Hall of Shame

2008-04-04T07:04:00.001-06:00

The DayTipper Hall of Shame puts the tips with the lowest approval rating (as voted on by YOU) all in one section. Let's take a look at the best of the worst and examine why they're likely sitting at the bottom of the heap.

THE TIP: Punch hole in canned vegetables to drain liquid

Instead of dirtying a strainer when draining the liquid from canned vegetables, use a church-key can opener to punch a triangular hole in the top of the can. The liquid pours out easily and it's easy to pour it in a container if you want to keep it...such as the juice from canned tomatoes or fruit.

THE PROBLEM: First up, punching a hole into metal can be quite difficult, not to mention, dangerous. The bent metal can easily cut the person handling or disposing the can. We recommend going the straight-up can opener route. It's easy, quick and (should be) painless. The other risk with punching a whole in a can is that the jagged parts can quickly become oxidized. And the last thing you want for dinner is rust.

THE TIP: Reuse water bottles

As well as saving money, reusing plastic water bottles is a valuable way to recycle. After drinking all the water, simply fill the bottle up and place it in your refrigerator. Remember you're paying for the bottle, not the water.

THE PROBLEM: This tip sounds good on paper, but in actuality, it's definitely a bit of a sacrifice. These days, most bottles are made out of thinner plastic in order to "be easier on the environment." This means that they are less sturdy. Also, reusing the same bottle again and again means you're increasing your odds of tasting yesterday's lunch. Let's be honest, there's a carryover effect. One last problem - I also find that the bottle will never close as tight, causing the standing water to get some bubbles - and not taste as good.

THE TIP: Use matchbook to conceal surprise gift

Remove the staple from a book of matches and then remove the matches. Use a new staple to replace the folded cardboard piece. Now tape a piece of candy or small trinket to the inside of the matchbook. Fold the front flap over and tuck into the stapled area. Hand out the little candy treats to friends, family, at holidays, or use as a thank you for favorite customers if you own a business.

THE PROBLEM: Why on earth would anyone want candy, gum or any other sweet goodie to taste like matches? Even once the matches are removed, the odor is often absorbed into the porous paper container. You'd probably be better off using something like an Altoid or aspirin tin. You can wash it out, and there's a better chance you'll remove any lingering odor/taste.

If you see any other problems with the Hall of Shame tips, share your comments below. It's fun to beat on these tips when they are already down. ;-)

When Is the Best Time to Shop?

2008-04-03T07:46:00.001-06:00

Are you a bargain hunter? If so, you already know that it's not where you shop - but WHEN you shop. Picking the right day and time can save you money AND result in a higher-quality product.

Here is some advice about when to buy certain things or when not to shop.

SUPERMARKET

You don't want to go to a supermarket to buy produce: fruits, vegetables, meat, etc. late on a Saturday or Sunday night. You're not going to find
new stock. Rather, you're gonna get the stock that nobody else picked while they were shopping earlier in the day.

CHINESE FOOD TAKE OUT

It might sound odd, but you don't want to order it on a rainy day. The reason being that the food often arrives soggy. Moisture in the air will attack fried food and make it a little mushier than it often is.

McDONALDS

If you're gonna eat fast food, do it on a weekend during lunch when turnover is great. If not, you'll be getting food that has sat under heat lamps for a long, long time, and in turn, it won't be as tasty.

DEPARTMENT STORES

Before you take a department store up on their offer to save an additional 10% by signing up or using their credit card - make sure you understand what the APR or interest rate is. Keep in mind that you will likely need to pay the item off within the first month to truly enjoy a "discount."

CAR WASH

One other way you can save money if you're getting your car washed, is to go
at night. If you visit on a weekend morning on a sunny day, not only will you wait on a long line, but you can expect to pay a premium. Get your car washed at night, during the week, and you can potentially pay up to 50% less. It's the same soap and water - so why not go for it!

Now it's your turn. What tactics do you use to save money when shopping? Leave a comment below or submit your tip and make some money!

Protect Your Car. Stink Proof Your Bathroom.

2008-04-02T06:23:00.001-06:00

What do these two tips have in common? Well, they both have to do with rear ends - and they're both - REJECTED!
Randy from Texas says: Take empty egg cartons, spray paint them the color of your car, get some double stick Velcro and stick them to the back of your bumper. This will protect your vehicle's back bumper, especially when you're parallel parking in crowded areas.

Doesn't sound like a horrible idea, but I think there might be an easier way. Meet the Bumper Badger. Since 1996 these guys have been selling protection for only $39.99. Specially designed to attach inside your trunk, you just flip out the impact/weather-resistant PVC when you're parking in a 'danger' zone.

Margaret from New Jersey says: Cover up nasty bathroom odors by putting a few drops of nail polish remover into the toilet.

The remover definitely can get rid of the stink of - let's say - a yucky elimination. But one thing is certain, you’re going to replace one bad stink with another. I recommend the old match trick, It doesn't smell pretty, but the sulfur will get rid of the smell - and at least that odor will fade quickly.

From protecting your rearend to keeping the lavatory smelling fresh, how do YOU protect your assets?

Buying and Selling 101

2008-04-01T07:57:00.001-06:00

Tis the season for garage sales. Warmer weather means hot deals. Assuming you're not a pretentious snob, garage sales, tag sales and flea markets can be a whole lotta fun. You might even find a good deal (like the time I nabbed the first set of Garbage Pail Kids for mere pennies).

So gather up all that stuff you no longer have any use for and get ready to sell, sell, sell!

Donald in Ottawa, KS says:

Holding your own yard sale? You will increase your sales if you have items separated into categories - like women's, girls, boys', men's, etc. People most times are looking for certain things and do not want to search through piles of clothes to find it. I have found that people who have an easy time finding what they want will buy more and take the time to look at everything you have. Also, make sure your prices are clearly marked.

Aside from clothes, you are likely to have all sorts of small knick-knacks that you want to get rid of. |
Anonymous says:

When you have a yard sale, take many small things (like pens, pencils, kitchen gadgets, notepads, stationary, makeup, costume jewelry) and put them in their own baggies. Price them between 50 cents to $1. People like a great deal!

What if you're like me and don't technically have a garage?
Ron in Jamestown, NC says:

If selling an item on eBay, the best time of day to list an item is at 10 PM Eastern (7 PM Pacific). By listing at 10 PM EDT, you are hitting the prime time all across the country. Most listings have the most traffic when first listed and in the last hour before the auction closes, and this prime time on all time zones guarantees the most exposure.

Now you know when to post - but what should you charge? |

Anonymous says:

A little research will save you in listing fees and wasted time. Before you list an item, do a search for similar items in terms of condition, size, color, feature set, etc. and add them to your Watch List. Wait for these listings to expire and then check to see which items sold. Price your initial listing price 10-50% below the lowest winning bid. If you don't find similar items in a search, use 10-25% of the retail price new.

Don't forget that one man's trash is another man's treasure.

Get Well With Daytipper

2008-03-31T07:08:00.001-06:00

The word WELLNESS is defined as 'the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, esp. as the result of deliberate effort.'

Here at Daytipper we thrive on making YOUR life better. After all, it's the tips that our parent's pass down and best friends share off the cuff, that really impact our lives.

For a practical collection of advice designed to make life better, please consider purchasing Daytipper's inaugural book: Tipped Off: 101 Insightful Wellness Tips.

Recent wellness advice that's come thru the Daytipper inbox includes:

Save time and exercise in the shower

Sometimes with our busy schedules it is hard to find time to exercise. Try doing squats while you are in the shower. They are easy to do when you are washing your hair, and you can probably do about a hundred or more. You tone your legs without having to take extra time out of your day. And I guarantee after a couple of weeks, you will see a difference.

Perhaps the ultimate in multitasking! I actually use my time in the shower to meditate and further relax my muscles. This is accomplished through a series of deep breathing and tense/release exercises.

Easy way to read on the treadmill

I like to read magazines on the treadmill at the gym as it makes the time go faster. I seem to always end up under one of the ceiling fans which would blow the pages, so I started bringing a wooden clothespin and pin the corners as I read.

Solid advice. I'm partial to a binder clip, but a clothespin will certainly do the trick to put an end to fluttering pages.

Use ice cube containers to store daily vitamins

I take a lot of vitamins and really got tired of taking one from each bottle every day. Since we have an ice maker in our refrigerator I have no need for the old ice cube trays I own. Once every 2 weeks I make up the tray with a day's worth of vitamins in each "cube" and it has made the process really easy now.

Sounds good to me, but I have a confession to make. While technically I might be considered a 'grown' man, I STILL have trouble swallowing pills. Not just horse pills, but even small little aspirin. I've gone the crushing-in-apple-sauce route, but that just gets old. Anyone have any other advice?

Get Your Kids to Do Chores

2008-03-28T10:19:00.000-06:00

Who knew that letting your children log on to the Internet could motivate them to complete household chores with little push back. With Handipoints, that's exactly the case.

Started in early 2007, the startup allows parents to build a virtual chore chart. From making beds to taking out the trash - when items on the list are completed - children are rewarded.

They are issued “handipoints" that are redeemable for real-world items, such as small toys. Or they can be used to make purchases in HandiLand, a virtual world where kids can interact with other kids. (Communication is limited, allowing only 'canned' statements to be exchanged). From adopting and caring for fictional pets, to purchasing movies, parents determine the point system and/or the reward.

Now teaching responsible habits and doing chores can be fun. The environment is safe for kids and headache relief for parents. There are currently 150k users. What are you waiting for? Give it a try today and let us know how it turns out.

Where the Conversation Is

2008-03-27T10:08:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about Daytipper is that the conversation doesn't end once you submit your tip. The conversation just begins! There are at least two sides to every tip. Let's take a look at what some Daytippers are talking about, and then we encourage you to jump in on the debate.

Anonymous says: Avoid dating a man with kids
If you are a single woman without any kids, should you date a man with kids? If you want to get serious and marry someday, it is best to avoid the man who has already been to the circus. He is not looking for wifey #2. You will never be their mom, and you will never be his wife. Find a single guy to marry and have your own kids together. Take it from someone who knows.

Please understand that when Daytipper publishes a tip, they are not endorsing the idea. The above tip is clearly a generalization that you can choose to agree or disagree with. For example:

Kevin from Lynchburg, Virginia says: Wow, how prejudiced. I'd have to say this qualifies more as a bigoted slam than a tip. Such generalizations are damaging to the progress humanity has made over the past 50 years.

But...

Amber from Norman, OK says: I'm single, but I know someone who went through what you just said. Sure, it sounds prejudice, but in some cases it is true.

We're up to 18 comments and counting. While the majority of folks seem to disagree with the "tip," it undoubtedly has generated a conversation. And when "bigotry" or "hatred" is concerned, isn't that a good thing.

We want to know what you think. Should women avoid dating a man with kids?

Pregnancy Advice From Team Mommy Vol. 1

2008-03-26T12:19:00.000-06:00

I wouldn't be involved with Daytipper if I didn't love dishing out advice. As any Dear Abby-wannabe would tell you, it's important to know your tip-giving limitations. Thankfully, I won't be sharing any 'what to do when you're pregnant advice.' For that, we turn to Team Mommy - some of Daytippers intelligent and brave child-bearing women.

Jennifer in Illinois says:

How to relieve pressure when pregnant
Get on your hands and knees. Let the top half of your body go down to the ground. Keep your bottom in the air. It helps shift the baby off your lower region and helps relieve the pressure down below.

Amy in Indiana says:

Use email to create electronic baby book
When I was pregnant with both of my children I opened up Gmail accounts for them and started sending them e-mails about my pregnancy. When they were born, I would update them periodically on how they were developing, what they were doing that was new, and what their favorite toys were. I hope that as they grow they'll enjoy looking back at their lives. And it's way easier than keeping a baby book.

April in Pennsylvania says:

How to prevent morning sickness and heartburn
When pregnant I had terrible morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion. A friend of mine made me some fresh mint tea to drink and it worked like a charm. Take a nice handful of fresh mint leaves and make a gallon of mint tea. Make it as sweet as you want it and drink it as often has needed to help with the morning sickness, heartburn and or indigestion. It works great!

Amy in Michigan says:

Make your jeans fit longer while pregnant
This tip was a life saver for me in my pregnancy. When your jeans get a little too tight, but you are still too small for maternity pants, loop a rubber band around the button on your pants and through the button hole. This will expand your waistline while still holding your pants up.

(Note: This applies to overweight folks too!)

Lauren in Texas says:

Heating pad alternative for pregnant women
Pregnant women aren't supposed to use heating pads because it endangers the baby. But there is an alternative option that works pretty well. Place a heating pad on a pillow for 15 minutes so it heats up the pillow. Now, use the pillow as a heat source.

Looking for more pregnancy tips? We've got plenty! Just search the site for "pregnant" and vote yours favorites up. Also, feel free to leave a comment below.

Daytipper Green Thumbs Tell All

2008-03-25T09:14:00.000-06:00

Spring has sprung! As the temperature across the U.S. begins to rise, millions of Americans will take to their yards and attempt to grow vegetables and flowers that will make the neighbors jealous.

Lucky for you, many of our DayTippers have award-winning green thumbs!

Create an organized plant book

Get a binder and put baseball card collector/protector sheets in it. Then when you buy a plant that has an information tag, put it in a card pocket. Makes an easy to read, organized, plant book.

Attract butterflies

If you would like to attract butterflies to your garden, there are only two requirements. First, plant nectar plants, which are flowers that provide food for adult butterflies. Butterflies seem to prefer the color red. Second, provide larval plants. These are the plants that caterpillars eat before becoming butterflies. Research which plants attract the butterflies in your area and soon you will have many of these beauties fluttering around your garden.

Splenda can rid you of ants

If you find that your backyard is crawling with ants (or any part of your yard for that matter) sprinkle Splenda along the path of the ants and at the entrance of the anthill and watch them disappear. The ants take the Splenda into their colony and something in the Splenda kills the ants.

I'm suddenly really glad that I don't eat Splenda. |

Vegetable oil on mower blades can cut wet grass

Instead of waiting for the lawn to dry, spray vegetable oil on your lawnmower blades. This will keep the wet grass from sticking to the blades. It’s an inexpensive fix if you want to mow before the grass dries.

Protect arms when gardening with old socks

Cut the feet off a pair of old tube socks (they probably had holes in the feet somewhere anyway) and pull them onto your forearms while you are gardening. It saves from too many pokes like from roses or bugs or allergies (which was this lady's case). Use this sock method to avoid having to wear a long-sleeved shirt when gardening.

Please let us know YOUR gardening tips. We'd also love to see your photos. E-mail us at podacst @ daytipper dot com. If you have a humongous tomato or beautiful butterfly in your yard, we'll share your picture with the world.

DayTipper Podcast #7 Released!

2008-03-24T09:19:00.000-06:00

On the go? Fill your ears with the best and worst nuggets from Daytipper.com. Episode #7 of the Daytipper Podcast includes:

- 7 reasons why vinegar is liquid gold.
- Roll down your car windows for savings?
- Important Daytipper policy changes.

Download episode #7.
Subscribe to the podcast.

One tip that is red hot today is how to never forget where you placed the scissors:

Are you always searching for a pair of scissors? I take my favorite scissors and tie a string to them and hang them by a magnet on the fridge. The kids can't reach it and I remember to put it back in its place. - Anonymous

Great advice! Even though this tip resides in the household category, I would also find this useful at work. Many cubicles and desks are constructed with metal components. Perhaps keeping scissors within eye shot would keep my co-workers from "permanently borrowing" them.

What do you think of this tip? Vote here.

In and Around the Kitchen

2008-03-21T07:13:00.000-06:00

The impressive success of the Food Network and foodie shows like Top Chef is undeniable. But those aren't the only places to get culinary advice. At Daytipper, you might not get full recipes, but you can still get a full tummy.

Kitchen Mini-Adventures

These tips are not for the faint of heart. In fact, this first tip is making my stomach turn. How about YOU try it and let me know what you think:

TIP: Right after I married my wife, she got me to try ketchup on my broccoli. I thought it sounded repulsive, but I agreed to try it once. It was so delicious that I've been eating steamed broccoli that way ever since - including tonight!

If you're not in the mood to digest anything, why not try this application to keep food out of your mouth but on your face!

TIP: Here is an easy recipe for a homemade facial scrub. Simply grind 2 almonds and mix with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey. This scrub is natural, inexpensive, and suitable for all skin types.

Tired of plating up tacos that won't stand up straight?

TIP: Flip a muffin tin upside down to hold your tacos. The mini or regular size both work great and will each hold 3 tacos.

Everyone loves a steaming hot bowl of spaghetti and meatballs. But ever notice how the meatballs are sometimes few and far between?

TIP: I love spaghetti and meatballs but hate when the meatball falls back in the plate because they are too big. The solution? Make tiny meatballs that are not any bigger than a penny. It is the best way to enjoy the taste of the pasta and the meat in one bite.

And finally, the key to Italian cooking: perfect garlic!

TIP: Most Italian pasta sauces use garlic. People usually heat up a pan, add some onions, oil, and garlic as first step, only to later on see the garlic burn and disappear. When cooking sauces first use only 20% of the garlic in your first step and add the other 80% when the sauce is simmering. This will help the sauce better absorb the taste and you will be a true Italian cook.

Bon Appétit!

Tips In Limbo

2008-03-20T12:03:00.000-06:00

Let's take a journey through today's DayTipper inbox. These are tips that don't make the cut but are interesting anyhow.

THE GOOD

When interviewing a contractor or a serviceperson, try to bait them into talking negatively about the competition. As a general rule you don't want to hire someone who can't win the job on their own merit.

THE BAD

Keep windows down. Get more miles per gallon by rolling down your windows instead of using the air conditioner.

That might be true. But this tip is STILL rejected. Here's why. Keeping your windows down when driving allows air to enter your vehicle, creating a lag that will actually put more strain on the engine, thus hurting your MPGs.

THE UGLY

Never buy hangers again. Just save the ones you get from the dry cleaners.

Okay, here's the problem with this one. First off, these "free" hangers are normally the flimsy wire type; the kind that pull on your sweaters. Secondly, do you really think the hangers are "free?" The owner of the cleaners builds that cost into what he/she charges you. We suggest you return hangers to your cleaners. This could help keep down prices. Being a hanger hog means more have to be produced, therefore hurting the planet.

Free Postage When Your Recycle

2008-03-18T10:10:00.002-06:00

The other day we blogged about some tips that can help keep the planet green. Following suit, the U.S. Postal Service has announced a great new pilot program that will allow you to unclutter your home and keep our landfills safe.

Starting this week, small electronics and inkjet cartridges can be recycled by mailing them free of charge. Clover Technologies Group, a nationally recognized company that recycles, remanufactures and remarkets inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges and small electronics will foot the bill.

The “Mail Back” program helps consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, making it easier for customers to discard used or obsolete small electronics in an environmentally responsible way. Customers use free envelopes found in 1,500 Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players – without having to pay for postage.

The pilot is currently available in 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego, but could become a national program this fall if the pilot program proves successful.

Now that's a useful tip!

7 Reasons Why Vinegar is Liquid Gold

2008-03-17T10:45:00.002-06:00

From salad dressings to washing windows, vinegar might just be the most useful substance on the planet. I've recently used the liquid gold at work. Why you ask? To kill gnats. Our office is infested with these tiny nuances. The only thing I have found to work is mixing vinegar with dish soap and leaving out in a shallow dish.

Let's take a look at what some DayTippers are doing with vinegar.

UNCLOG FAUCETS: Soak paper towels with white vinegar. Wrap around affected areas on faucet. Leave overnight. Remove paper towels and buff away remaining residue with an old toothbrush.

WASH DISHES: Use plain white vinegar in your rinse agent dispenser. Dishes come out spot-free, and there is no vinegar smell. Vinegar is less expensive than brand products and a greener alternative (read: no chemicals). Plus, you'll have one less bottle to store.

REMOVE STAINS: To remove coffee stains from clothing or other materials, dab area with cold water. Rub in a white or clear dish soap and rinse well. Then use one-part vinegar to three-parts water rub into stain and than launder normally.

SILENCE WIPERS: If your car has squeaky windshield wipers, fix them by wetting a cloth with some malt vinegar and then wiping the wipers with the cloth. This will remove any dirt and gunk on the wiper and make them run smooth again.

SUNBURN RELIEF: If you have ever had the discomfort of being sunburned, here is a quick and surefire way to eliminate the pain. You will need to purchase a bottle of Heinz Vinegar. Either dab the vinegar with a wet rag to the irritated skin, or add one cup to your bath water.

ELIMINATE ODORS: Everyone who handles fish knows how hard it is to remove the smell from your hands no matter how hard you wash. I always splash a little vinegar on my hands and rub it in good before washing. This works great but if you have any cuts on your hands it is going to sting a little.

How do YOU use vinegar?

Help Keep the Planet Green

2008-03-17T08:39:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I caught a television program that featured The Wheel by Revo Power. Basically, it's a front wheel replacement for bicycles that incorporates an engine. A "water bottle" holds 1 quart of gas and you can get around 200 miles per gallon. The Wheel tops out at 17mph. The company hopes to release the product in the U.S. sometime this year for approx. $600. I so want one! But in the meantime, here are some environmental tips available for voting on DayTipper.

- Anonymous suggests that you don't throw away your old movies on DVD or video tape. Instead, donate them to your local library. You'll get a tax deduction and your community will enjoy your generosity.

- Jessica in Twickenham, Middlesex wants you to make new use out of old rubber gloves. With a pair of scissors cut the gloves horizontally into a variety of bands sizes. The wrists make big ones and the fingers make small ones. They are stronger that store-bought rubber bands and do not disintegrate after a few months.

- Amber in Fredericksburg, VA urges you to transfer your coffee to a thermos after it's brewed rather than keep the pot on. You'll save electricity and your coffee will stay fresh.

- Lisa in Worcester, MA suggests that you reuse plastic snack containers (such as empty Jell-O snack packs) to start seedlings in.

- Brandee in Elmira, NY wants you to wash out your Ziploc plastic bags and reuse them. This will save you money and it also helps the environment.

Have a tip that will keep the planet green? Let us know about it!

Getting Real Estate Agents Off Your Back

2008-03-14T08:21:00.000-06:00

Here at home, I'm gearing up to sell my place. While looking for real estate can be exciting and fun - it also can be VERY stressful. One of the most annoying parts is when the real estate agents stalk you by constantly "following up." I understand they are just doing their job, but that doesn't change the fact the I don't want to spend half of my life on the phone with these folks.

Here's a tip I've used in the past...

Set up a free phone number that you only use when dealing with real estate agents. There are two services you can choose from:

GrandCentral: Purchased by Google last year, the free service gives you a local number (area code of your choice) that you can forward to your real phone. You then have a choice to pick up the call (the caller ID will show your "fake" number) or let them leave a message. You can retrieve voicemail online. The only negative is that there is a bit of a wait to receive a number.

K7: This free service is purely for voicemail and fax. Just enter your e-mail address and you are an issued a phone number (a 206 Seattle area code). Voicemails can be retrieved using telephone prompts - or you can have the audio sent to your e-mail. If you do not use a number for 30 consecutive days, it's deactivated.

I know that the easiest way to handle annoying realtors is to simply tell them to go away. But for some of us, that's easier said than done. These free voice services give you more control and help you preserve the privacy of your primary phone numbers. They also help preserve my sanity.