The digital video recorder, also known as a DVR, is one of the greatest inventions of all time. It allows you to record multiple TV shows at the same time and even allows you to pause and replay live TV. TiVo came out with the first DVR in 1999. Today you can get the DVR functionality from your cable company or satellite service. A dilemma that a lot of people have is that they have a DVR in their bedroom but it will wake them up at night when the device's harddrive either turns on or shuts down. If you suffer from this problem, the solution is simple. Buy a cheap appliance timer. Plug the DVR into the timer, then set it to shut off at 11 p.m. and come back on at 7 a.m. You can get one of these timers at any home improvement store for less than $20.

Women, do your knee-high boots get creases in them when you store them away? If so, consider putting rolled-up old magazines in them. The magazines will keep the boots standing up straight and will prevent creasing!

I recently asked Larry Kimsey with Dalton Carpet One what is the best spot remover for carpets. Without hesitating, he said the Shaw R2X Carpet Stain and Soil Remover. He said it's amazing - this coming from a guy who knows carpets. You just spray it and there's no rinsing. You can find it online, just Google the name. It costs around $10 a bottle.

Tim Thompson lives in Gainesville. E-mail Tim your ideas for tips, tools or tricks.