January 31, 2005

Authentic French Onion SoupMany variations of onion soup are served, but the best, I believe, are true to the traditions of the bistros in Paris neighborhoods. Certainly, each kitchen has its own preferences (and we will offer options as well), but each preparation requires following a few essential steps - slow and thorough browning of the onions, simmering the broth and onions sufficiently to allow full flavor to develop and, finally, time in the oven to intensify these flavors.

 

Mock "Ice Cream" BlizzardTo make a "mock" ice cream blizzard tasting treat, take equal parts of softened cream cheese and cool whip. Blend this well together with electric mixer then add your favorite treats to taste.

 

Easy Ice Cream Cake - Elegant Yummy TreatFor an elegant and yummy treat take a square pan and frost the inside with thawed cool whip. Unwrap rectangular chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches and lay side by side to fill pan (you may have to cut a few to fit the sides), top these with a fudge sauce...

 

Keeping Extra Toilet Paper DryI use a cake cooling rack under the bathroom sink to sit new rolls of toilet paper on. If, by some chance, there is a leak under the sink, the toilet paper stays high and dry.

 

Frugal Country LivingEnjoy nature in your own backyard by observing animals! Keep a camera close by to capture them candid. Use the pictures to make your own greeting cards or postcards with sayings to go along with the mood of the picture! By Lisa Brady

 

Easily Clean Your Child's Potty ChairA great potty training tip is to purchase "cheap" coffee filters and place in the child's potty, it makes cleaning up #2s a snap!

 

Cleaning Glass FurnitureTips for cleaning glass furniture. Post your ideas.

 

Defrosting Meat With A Hair DryerA hair dryer is a great aid in defrosting your frozen meats.

 

Hard Water Is Hard on Coffee MakersWe have well water and it is hard. So three coffee pots later, I learned to boil vinegar water thru it every two or three weeks. Any longer and the coffee pot slows down to a crawl and the coffee is so strong you can not drink it. By Reta

 

Removing Paper or Plastic That Is Stuck to a Dresser or CountertopIf you ever get a piece of plastic or paper that is 'stuck' to your countertop or dresser, just add a drop or two of baby oil to the spot and it should lift right off. By Robin

 

Using the LibraryIf your local library has interlibrary loans, you can request practically any book, CD, tape or magazine, since many libraries are involved. One of my favorite things to do is check the advertisements in magazines for new books (my favorites are Home and Garden and Spiritual) and request them through Interlibrary Loan. Also, there are several free publishers' lists that are filled with new and interesting selections.

 

Pom Pom Duster Using GloveIf you have any leftover wool (anything but baby wool, too thin) make some pompoms out of them leaving a long strand attached at the end. Then thread a darning needle with the long strand and sew them onto the palm and finger areas so it's quite fuzzy. Makes a wonderful duster or car washing mitt! Pick and choose your colors or all one color, doesn't matter but mixed is nicer. - Sandi

 

Shop Locally When Sending FlowersHaving been a floral designer for almost 20 years I can tell you this is true. You get the best flowers for your money when you talk to directly to the florist that is going to make and deliver your gift. They can tell you what is in season and what colors they have that week.

 

Renew Your Wedding Vows At Valentine's DayWith Valentine's Day just around the corner, plan to renew your wedding vows. Done it before? Then, you know how very special it can be. If you never experienced this fantastic opportunity, give it a try.

 

Removing Paint From Mustard Jars?I need to remove the information that is painted directly on the glass. Does anyone know how to remove it?

 

Valentine Scrapbooking Ideas?I am an avid scrapbooker but always checking out new ideas and tips. Being on a budget I love to try new things and embellishments. I will be attending a formal banquet this Valentines weekend as well as celebrating my 24th wedding anniversary and am looking for some great layout ideas.

 

Cowboy Party For A 6 Year Old?Any tips or ideas on games for a cowboy party for a 6 year old. The weather is probably not going to cooperate, so I want to plan indoor games and activities. I appreciate any ideas. Thanks! Crissy

 

Decorating Tips for a Navy Sofa?I have a navy sofa and I want to redecorate my living room. I want to keep the room as natural looking as possible but I also want the room to feel warm! Any ideas would be gratefully received :0) Thanks, Cathy

 

Treating a Pet Rat With Fleas?I have a rat who has fleas and I can't get rid of them, any suggestions? Keelie

 

Banana Nut Bread Recipe For A Bread Machine?I am looking for a banana nut bread recipe for my bread machine. Does anyone have one that doesn't use wheat flour as an ingredient? imaqt1962

 

Problems Painting Over Wallpaper?I painted a room in my house without knowing that the previous paint job was done over wallpaper. The problem is the paper is starting to bubble under the paint. Is there anything that I can do to fix this without redoing the whole room? Thanks, Goldenboggs

 

Widow Looking For Advice On Entertaining, Travel and Meals?After 50+ yrs of marriage I am now a widow. How do I become a content and successful single? I need ideas for entertaining, travel, and meals. Thanks, Lady Bet

 

Valentine's Day Craft For 2nd Graders?I am looking for a simple valentine craft to do with my 7 year old 2nd graders. Anyone have any good fast and easy ideas? Thanks for the input. Helga from Andover

 

Son's eyes red and itchy after showering.My son has asthma and seasonal allergies. Lately, after he gets out of the shower, he complains about his eyes and palms itching. His eyes get very bloodshot and itch until I give him Benedryl. He is 14 so I know he isn't getting soap in his eyes. We have always used Dove soap and Clairol's Herbal Essence Shampoo. The funny thing is, this has never bothered him before! Has anyone else ever experienced this before? Any replies would be appreciated! Thanks, A. from Mo.

 

Tin Man Birdfeeder?I am looking for tin man birdfeeder instructions. Suzy Wells

 

Removing Contact Paper Glue?What is the best way to remove the glue left behind after contact paper has been on a shelf for a long time? Joanne

 

Recycling CD Jewel Cases?I have sent this request once before. I was wondering if there is anyone that is aware of a store, organization, or recycling center that will take old CD Jewel cases. I have a ton of them from CDs and we do not use them since we have caselogic CD wallets for the car.