Dollar Stretcher Guest Blogger

5/24/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-24T13:45:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Imperial Home 24pc Food Storage Containers

List Price: $29.99
DEAL PRICE: $12.79 (57% Off)
Product Details

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Once you use food storage containers with microwave vent lids, you'll never go back.

I first discovered these types when I got two containers from Tupperware. Now I paid $20 for just the two! I think they called them Rock n Serve.

These are every bit as good AND you get 12 containers and 12 lids for a little more than what you would pay for just one of the Tupperware ones

These will become your favorite food containers! Remove the lid or simply pop open the vent before placing in the microwave. The lid will contain any splatter while allowing the steam to escape. That means a convenient clean up with fewer dishes to wash AND you can easily transport leftovers to school or work.

This set features 12 durable containers with 12 lids. Store leftovers of all different sizes in the secure snap-tight containers to ensure freshness. See below for a list of the sizes included.

FEATURES:
- Snap tight lids
- Includes 12 containers and 12 lids
- Microwave vent lids (excluding 4oz containers)
- Qty 2 each of 4oz, 10oz, 16oz, 24oz, 40oz, and 56oz containers
- Microwave, freezer, dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Replace all your mismatching containers with this 24-piece set of food storage containers!

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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Replace Your Hot Water Heater's Heating Element

2013-05-22T15:19:00Z

by Chris Long

"You don't know what you've got until it's gone." Truer words have never been spoken when it comes to hot water. And you never realize how essential it is until it's gone!

Whether you have a good 5-10 minutes of hot water and then nothing (even with the faucet fully-turned to "Hot") or you have no hot water at all, the next time you notice a dip in your water's heat, take a moment before you call your plumber for an emergency visit. You may simply need to replace your heating element.

Performing this simple replacement yourself could allow you to super-stretch your dollars and get a DIY bill for under $30, as opposed to a professional rush job invoice closer to $200!

If all you require is a new heating element, you've come to the right place. The following is a step-by-step, detailed explanation (with pics!) of how to improve your self-sufficiency, stretch your "emergency savings" budget and save the day all at the same time.

1. Assemble your tools

The basic tools you will need for this DIY project are:

Hot water heater manual
Screwdriver
Element Wrench
New Heating Element

To make sure you have the correct heating element, locate the appropriate voltage of your tank's heating element(s) by examining the sticker on the front of the heater.

Here is a side-by-side view of the heating element and the element wrench so you can see how they will be a perfect fit.

You will notice there are two holes on one end of the wrench: this is for you to insert your screwdriver to use as leverage to turn the socket wrench.

2. Shut off the electricity to your water heater

You don't necessarily associate electricity with the production of hot water but when it comes from an electric water heater (which is what you have unless yours runs on gas power), you can't have one without the other.

3. Turn off your cold water supply

Make sure you have closed your water tank's intake before proceeding to drain the tank otherwise your tank will refill as fast as you drain!

4. Drain your storage tank / Release the tank's pressure

Although experienced DIY-ers who have done this before may feel comfortable enough to switch the heating element with a full tank, this is not advisable for newbies.

If you have never done this before, it's best to drain the entire tank by attaching a hose to the spout at the base of the tank: make sure one end of the hose is near a drain or outside before you connect the other end to the tank.

5. Remove the cover to access the inside panel

Make sure you don't lose the screws once you have removed them keep everything together near you for easy re-attachment.

Here is a diagram from the manual of the inside of the panel you have just exposed.

6. Remove the insulation

7. Remove the thermostat cover

With the thermostat cover out of the way, you can see this is what the interior panel looks like.

8. Detach the wires from the installed heating element

Once you have determined there is no active electricity coming through the wires attached to the installed heating element, loosen the screws enough so that you can gently pull the wires out and bend them completely out of the way.

9. Remove the defective heating element

Place the wrench over the element and use the wrench and screwdriver to turn counter-clockwise until you have loosened the element, remove it and replace it with the new one.

10. Refill your tank

With the hose removed from the tank spout, and with the new heating element securely in place, turn your water back on and refill the tank. Watch as this happens so you can ensure there are no leaks.

11. Reassemble the panel

When the tank is full, you will need to:

Attach the wires to the new element;
Replace the thermostat cover;
Replace the insulation;
Re-screw the panel cover.

12. Turn on the electricity and test out your hot water!

It's as simple as that!

If you are still experiencing problems, now's a good time to contact a plumber.

Hopefully you were able to fix the issue yourself and stretch your dollars like a pro! What other seemingly-difficult and intimidating projects have you undertaken yourself? How much money were you able to save?

Chris Long, a Home Depot sales associate in the Chicago area, is a regular Home Depot blog contributor on plumbing projects and products. Chris enjoys providing hot water heater tips to homeowners and discussing the latest in plumbing fixtures.

5/22/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-22T14:25:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Beady Bag - The Electronics Revival Kit

List Price: $19.99
DEAL PRICE: $7.91 (60% Off)
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Look, accidents happen. Maybe you jump into a pool with your phone, drop it in a puddle, or toilet - yuck! Or maybe you got a little too much rain water on your precious electronics.

You hear stories of it happening all the time - my nephew had to throw out his cell phone after dropping it in the sink! What if there was a way to save it though?

The Beady Bag is designed to rapidly remove damaging moisture and wetness from the deepest crevice of any wet electronic device. That means your smartphone, digital camera, gaming device, MP3 player, or any other handheld electronic can be brought back from what might have been digital death.

FEATURES:
- Made in the USA
- Revive Wet Phones, Cameras, Game Systems, MP3 Players and more
- Easy to Use
- Integrated Humidity Indicator in Ziplock Bag
- Hyper-Absorbant Beads Draw In Moisture
- Clear Windows on Bag to See Progress
- Works in Less than 48 Hours

Here's how it works. It comes with tiny moisture-absorbing beads that draw in all the excess water from a device. You seal your phone in the pouch along with the beads, and it automatically drains and dries. A humidity indicator on the top of the bag will tell you when it's ready, but it shouldn't take more than 48 hours.

Just so you know, this isn't a sure thing. There are tons of variables such as the type of device, how much moisture got in, and how fast you act after contact with water. But I can say that this beady bag does in fact absorb moisture as it claims.

It's definitely worth a try before shelling out hundreds of dollars for a new one! Let me share this with you. A leading retailer refuses to put this in their store because IT WORKS TOO WELL! They flat out told the manufacturer, we would much rather have the customer buy a new phone.

The Beady Bag is a first aid kit for your important electronic devices. It's a must have for vacations, summer homes, or just poolside relaxation.
For those emergency moments, get the Beady Bag for just $9.99
Or save an additional $2.00 and get two bags for $17.98

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/20/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-20T14:06:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Bright 11 LED Mini-Lanterns 4-pack w/ Batteries

List Price: $59.99
DEAL PRICE: $14.91 (75% Off)
Product Details

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I know we sell a lot of lanterns but these may be my most favorite of all time.

I love them because they are super and I mean SUPER Bright... while being oh so small that they are easy to pack and take with you anywhere.

Great on the porch, in the garage, the basement... ANYWHERE... even camping.

Kids LOVE THESE TOO. And because it is made out of LED's they don't get hot so it's safe for the kids to have in the room.

They even have built-in handles for easy carrying or hang them up when you need your hands free to work.

Here's the thing... our low price makes it so affordable. You've never been able to get a 4-pack of this bright of lanterns for such a low, low price. You're going to want to stock up on them... everyone who sees them will want one.

PLUS, each is powered by 3 AA Batteries. YES THEY'RE INCLUDED - that's 12 AA Batteries which could cost you up to $10 alone!

FEATURES:
- Each has 11 super bright LEDs
- Super energy saving
- Built-in carrying handle
- Ergonomic design
- SIZE: Each Stands 6" high
- Each is powered by 3 x AA Batteries - INCLUDED
- Professionally designed reflector and diffuser
- 150 Lumens of brightness visible up to 200 yards
- Can be placed along walkways or hung
- Cordless operation for a variety of display options
- Weather-resistant light housing is safe for outdoor use
Grab a 4-pack of these while we still have some left.

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/17/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-17T13:47:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Multi Function Tablet Travel Bag and Organizer

List Price: $14.99
DEAL PRICE: $5.99 (60% Off)
Get two for $9.98 (66% off)
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I absolutely love this! In fact I had bought one of these at what was supposed to be a discounted price of $9.99. You see we have a much better price, but even at the higher price I love it. That's the reason we got these.

I loved it so much I went straight to the manufacturer and struck a deal. You can actually get two of these (one in each color) for $9.98!

What can you fit in this? What CAN'T you! Looking at this might be misleading. It's slim but boy oh boy does it hold stuff. It's the ultimate organizer loaded with pockets to keep whatever you have in place and at your fingertips.

Soft and light, yet durable, the padded pocket allows you to hold items like your iPad or maybe even certain sizes of Ultra Book. It has tons of pockets taht you can hold all kinds of things like cosmetics, USB memory sticks, digital cameras, cellphone, and even your glasses safely and securely!

What's even better is you can use this on its own or fit it into larger bags like laptop bags, briefcases and more. I have the green one I use for in my backpack and it's great because I can always see it. I also have a gray one I keep on my desk. It keeps me a little more organized.

FEATURES:
- Available in Two Colors
- Multi-functional
- Loads of Pockets
- Durable and Easy To Clean
- Material: Nylon
- Padded
- Portable and Compact
- Perfect for holding cosmetics, tablets, cords, cell phone, cards, etc.
- Great for Travel
- Use Alone or Inside Backpack, Briefcase or Large Purse
- SIZE: 12" Wide x 8" High
- Expands to almost 3"
Grab one for $5.99 or save an additional $2.00 and get two for $9.98 - YES you can mix and match colors. Grab a bunch, every will want one!

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/15/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-15T14:03:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Non-Slip Hydro Rug

List Price: $29.99
DEAL PRICE: $13.99 (53% Off)
Get two for $25.98 (56% off)
Product Details

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I admit I was skeptical at first. It sounds good, but how well does it work when you put it to use?

The answer is unequivocally YES! I am so happy with this item I have bought a bunch to give as gifts.

You may have seen the TV commercials, let me tell you it is so much better than they say.

If you haven't seen it, in a nutshell, the Hydro Rug is carpet for your shower and bath, getting the benefits of a carpeted area without worrying about it getting moldy and disgusting. You can use BOTH inside your shower/bath or outside as a bath rug.

The unique anti-microbial poly-fibers allow water to flow right through it and the non-slid backing ensures it stay were you put it.

Here's what I say... If you currently have a bathmat in your bathtub and shower GET RID OF IT and replace it with this Hydro Rug.

I can't stress enough... this Hydro Rug is mildew and stain resistant. It's fast drying and is comfort for your feet... it's is like having a shower floor made out of loofah! So your feet get a nice scrubbing too!

FEATURES:
- Anti-Microbial Technology
- Mildew and Stain resistant
- Non-Slip
- Fast Drying
- Always Clean
- Never Fades
- Lasts For Years
- Comfort For Your Feet
- Never Soggy
- Dimensions: 29.5" x 17.25"

It's easy to use: Place it directly over the drain. That's it This may be the last bath mat you ever buy!
Get one for $13.99 or save an additional $2.00 and get two for $25.98

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/13/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-13T13:54:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Solar Earth Friendly Charger

List Price: $49.99
DEAL PRICE: $29.99 (40% Off)
Get two for $49.98 (50% off)
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We've sold plenty of battery backups for your smartphones in the past...but we've always been on the lookout for a greener alternative. Most solar chargers are way too big, not powerful enough, or just too expensive.

The Earth-Friendly Solar Smartphone Charger is the perfect emergency companion to all of your electronic devices. This keychain is a portable, rechargeable battery with a hyper-efficient solar panel that draws energy from natural sunlight. It works so well, it can even be powered with indoor lights or a lamp.

It comes with everything you need - a USB cord, 3 of the most common adapters for your device, carabiner keyring, and a traveling pouch. Oh, and one more thing: the battery also features a 3 LED flashlight, making it even more handy.

FEATURES:
- High-Capacity 950 mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Efficient Solar Panel Can Be Charged Indoors/Outdoors
- Universal USB 2.0 Output for Charging all Devices
- 3 LED Flashlight
- Charging Indicator Light
- Over-charge Protection Extends the Battery Life
- USB Adapters Included: Apple 30-Pin, Micro USB, Mini USB
- Choose from Black or White

This thing is great for camping, outdoor trips, the car, or emergencies. Never worry about being lost without a powered cellphone, camera, Kindle, PDA, etc. It charges just about anything with a USB cord, but is not quite powerful enough for an iPad.

Don't have bright sunlight or time to charge it up naturally? That's okay, you can still use it as a standard rechargeable battery and plug it into your computer for quicker energy flow.

A solar-powered smartphone charger can literally be a life-saver. Get this reliable, eco-friendly, and MUST-have accessory today.
Grab one for $29.99 or save an additional $10.00 and get two for $49.98

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/10/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-10T13:31:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

11-Inch Non Stick Grilling Skillet
with Folding Handle

List Price: $24.99
DEAL PRICE: $11.99 (52% Off)
Get two for $19.98 (60% off)
Product Details

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I've been really paying attention to what I eat and I've been eating more and more vegetables. There is nothing better tasting than grilled veggies. They taste entirely different and have almost a sweetness to them.

I initially just asked for a sample (for myself to use) I didn't think this would be easy to ship because of the long handle.

Then it was pointed out to me that the handle actually folds up. PURE GENIUS. Not only does it make it easier for us to ship it to you. You will find it simple to store in your cabinets.

We carried these at the end of the season last year and the Manufacturer was so impressed by the thousands and thousands we sold they agreed to keep us at the below normal cost. I know that we'll sell even more this year.

Your price is actually the wholesale cost that places like Bed, Bath and Beyond, Lowes, Amazon paid for these. Because of this we are asking you to limit any orders to no more than three (3) per order. We want to make sure we have enough stock for everyone. Once we sell out it could be a month or two to get more.

With this pan they thought of EVERYTHING... even a little metal piece that when you close the grill cover it lays on this. And the handle is flat so it closes easily.

So to sum up this item... I love, love, love it. It has never been easier to grill them and the clean up is soooo easy.

FEATURES:
- Ideal for grilling meats, poultry, and veggies
- Perforated grilling surface promotes even cooking
- Perfect for barbecues, picnics, camping, and other outdoor activities
- Folding Handle for Easy Storage
- Flat Panel for Easy Grill Closing
- Easy to clean
- 12 inches in diameter
Get one for $11.99 Save an additional $4.00 and get two for $19.98
Sorry there is a limit of 3 per order

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/08/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-08T13:50:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Chilly Towel - Keep Your Cool All Day Long!

List Price: $29.99
DEAL PRICE: $9.99 (66% Off)
Get two for $15.98 (73% off)
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You are not going to believe today's great product...we've been waiting for these to come in stock - and here they are! Just in time for the heat wave that is gripping the country! And at our discount you can't afford not to stock up.

Everyone in the office is ordering a bunch for their families. I'm talking about the Chilly Towel - an amazing way to keep cool on even the hottest days of the year.

This 27" x 18" towel is made of a super-absorbent shammy-like weave. All you do is soak it in any-temperature water for a bit, wring the excess water out - and shake it. Seriously - shake it, and whirl it through the air a few times to let the magic happen. The towel is made of a hyper-evaporative material that actually cools down as the water dries out. After a few shakes it downright feels ICY-COLD!

FEATURES:
- 27"x18"
- Super-Absorbent Material Stays Dry
- Reusable and Washable (Let it Air-Dry)
- Hyper-Evaporative Properties Make It Cool
- Just Soak, Wring, Shake
- Non-Toxic
- Resealable Container For Later Use

It's great for all indoor and outdoor sports, walking/running, gardening, or just keeping cool. Grab some for the kids in their summer leagues - it's safe for them, and they will love shaking the towel.

It's better than using a wet rag, or soaking a bandana - this towel is dry to the touch, and will be cold for hours. When the towel dries out, just re-wet and start again - it's completely reusable. You can even store a moist Chilly Towel in it's container to use for later. To clean, throw it in the washing machine or hand wash - but let it air dry.

Now, we have an exclusive deal with the manufacturer on this, so you won't find the Original Chilly Towel anywhere else! Make sure you pick up a few.
Get one Chilly Towel with Case for $9.99 or save an additional $4.00 and get two for $15.98

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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5/06/13 TDS Special Offers

2013-05-06T13:42:00Z

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Daily Deal from our friends at PulseTV:

Tactical Swat Rechargeable
Cree Flashlight

List Price: $59.99
DEAL PRICE: $19.99 (66% Off)
Get two for $35.98 (70% off)
Product Details

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Here we go again - showing you not only the brightest kind of flashlight we've ever offered, but it's included in this fantastic kit you won't see anywhere else.

First of all, let's talk about this great flashlight. Instead of packing a bunch of little LED bulbs into the head of the flashlight to make it brighter, the Tactical SWAT Flashlight only has one EXTREMELY bright bulb. These Cree bulbs are the next big thing in flashlights - at 3 Watts, 120 Lumens, these can shine over 200m away. Fully adjustable focus shifts from flood to spot-light. The soft-touch button cycles through high and low intensity, as well as a strobe function.

Unlike most other flashlights, this one comes with a rechargeable battery that will last up to 3 continuous hours when fully charged. To charge it, the kit includes a car and wall adapter. If that's not enough, there's a handy adapter that accepts 3 AAAs (Batteries Not Included).

KIT INCLUDES:
- 6" Tactical Swat Flashlight
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
- Car Charger
- Wall Charger
- Wrist Strap
- Orange Safety Wand Head
- AAA Adapter (Batteries Not Included)
- Plastic Battery Shell (Keeps it in place)

FEATURES:
- Adjustable Focus for Flood or Spotlight Functions
- High-Beam, Low-Beam, and Strobe Modes
- High-Intensity Cree R3 Bulb lasts 110,000+ Hours
- 3 Watts, 120 Lumens
- Can Be Seen From Over 200m Away
- Water and Shock Resistant
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery or 3 AAAs (Not Included)

This flashlight will last you forever - the bulbs are rated at over 110,000 hours in their lifetime, which should be plenty long enough! The durable design is also water and shock resistant. It's made of high-strength aerospace aluminum.

Use it indoors, outdoors, and especially for emergencies. An included orange safety wand can also screw on the head of the flashlight for added visibility.

This light is so bright, you could even use it in self defense if you needed to blind a would-be attacker. Strong points on the end would even make this a powerful striking tool.

As one of the brightest flashlights we've ever sold, this deal is made even better with a killer kit and everything you could possibly need.

Get one kit for $19.99 or save an additional $4.00 and get two for $35.98

Thanks & Be Well,
Anisa & PulseTV Team

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