April 12, 2005

Casserole BreadMix in large bowl:1 1/2 cup flour, sugar, salt, and the undissolved dry yeast. Add the margarine. Gradually add very warm water to dry ingredients and beat 2 minutes at medium speed of mixer, scraping bowl frequently. Add eggs and 1/2 cup flour. Beat 2 minutes at high speed.

 

Easy Sponge CakeMix in order given. POur in 8x5x2 3/4 inch pan. Bake at 325-350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

 

Cinnamon Brunch CakeBlend together until finely mixed: 2 cup all purpose flour, 2 cup brown sugar, and stick of margarine. Reserve 3/4 cup crumb mixture for topping. Add balance of flour mixed with soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add buttermilk, vanilla, and egg; do not over mix.

 

ShortcakeSift flour, salt, baking powder, sugar. Beat egg, add milk and butter. Then mix into dry ingredients. Mix quickly using not over 20 strokes. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. We always add fresh cream on top and fresh strawberries!

 

Avocado Corn RelishPreheat oven to 350 degrees. Arrange fresh or frozen kernels on baking sheet and toast for 1/2 hour to 45 minutes. Stir as needed. For Dip: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

 

Choose Licensed ContractorsWhen home repairs are needed where you can't do them yourself, select well established, licensed contractors who have submitted in writing and who have placed price bids for the work.

 

Inexpensive Goody BagsFor my daughter's recent birthday party, I wanted everything to be special, but (as always) we were on a strict budget. I came up with a simple but adorable idea for goody bags!

 

Freddie the FreeloaderHi, it's me again, Fred. I forget how old I am, who my ancestors were, but know I came from "the pound". Glad to get away from them scary dogs in there.

 

Freshening the AirIf you want to freshen the air, just simmer a dozen or so sticks of cinnamon or some cloves in 2 cups of water in an uncovered saucepan on your stove!

 

Home Repair ContractsWhen considering home repairs when you don't plan on doing the work yourself, don't sign any contract that requires full payment before a satisfactory job is finished.

 

Calming Dogs With Separation AnxietyI thought the tips about calming puppies were awesome! I, too, have worked with dogs a lot, not in fostering, but I have been a groomer and worked for 2 vets.

 

Quick Way to Sort Kids ClothingInstead of trying all those clothes on my kids each season to see what fits (and my kids get tired after the first outfit), I lay an outfit (pants and shirt) that fit them just right on the bed as a pattern.

 

Tulle and Lights - Inexpensive Festive DecorationWith all of the weddings, proms and anniversary events coming up, don't forget that tulle (in any color) with twinkle lights behind it makes an inexpensive festive decoration that can go a long way!

 

Making Limp Carrots CrispIf you have carrots that are older and limp just soak them for about 30 minutes in cold water. They will be crisp again!

 

Cheap Magazine HoldersI save my empty laundry detergent boxes to make cheap magazine holders. They can be cut on an angle like the ones seen in office supply stores or just left uncut. I then spray paint them or cover with contact paper and plop my magazines inside.

 

Dusting With an Air CompressorYou can purchase these at hardware stores, flea markets, etc. we have one and I keep it in my house, plus you can purchase air tanks to use separate. I use a small air compressor for dusting, blowing dust off of curtains etc. I love it.

 

Losing Gas From a Loose Gas CapMore gas is wasted by people not completely fastening their vehicle's gas cap after putting gasoline in. Screw it in until you hear a clicking sound, otherwise it'll either spill out or evaporate. With the price of gas these days, make the most of each tankful!

 

Credit Card FeesBe aware that credit card with rebates, cash back, travel awards or other perks could have higher fees.

 

Preserve Outdoor Summer DecorationsAfter years of having my summer outdoor decorations ruined by sunlight or just general weathering, I came across a tip on the internet and have been using it ever since with good results. Spray your items with a couple coats of a clear acrylic spray like Krylon makes.

 

Mail Order PharmacyWhen taking a prescription medication for a long time, you might want to consider calling a mail order pharmacy. I'm told they often charge lower prices than your local pharmacy.

 

Discolored Coffee CupsI have trouble with my coffee cups and mugs becoming discolored because my husband drinks lots of coffee. All I have to do to take out the stains is to let them soak in a a sink full of water with a about 1/4 cup bleach added. Just be sure to rinse them well.

 

Scenic Dam (Mildmay, Ontario)I took this photo of the beautiful scenic dam in Mildmay, Ontario, Canada last Fall. It was one of those wonderful October Fall days when the weather was perfect for me to take advantage of my love for photography.

 

Cleaning Up Broken GlassTips for safely and effectively cleaning up broken glass. Post your ideas.

 

Saving Money On Tights?Buying Tights for school uniforms is just far too expensive, especially when your teacher's are far too strict! for example my Headmistress told me to throw away and not wear these tights to school again, just because of one small ladder!

 

New Gel Glitter Pen Not Working?I just purchased a gel glitter pen and can't seem to get it to work. Running it over paper back and forth just doesn't help. Any idea's to get it to work.

 

I Don't Understand ThriftyFun's Coupon Swap?I'd like to know how Coupon swap works. I have lots of coupons I'd love to trade to help get coupons for my new granddaughters Huggies Diapers and wipes and Good Start supreme soy. But I have no luck ever even getting to submit a trade and it always seems to be the same ones and never changes.

 

Wallpapering an Old Refrigerator?I want to know if anyone knows about using wallpaper to spruce up an old refrigerator. I need all the info I can find! I have re-done my kitchen, but can't afford a new fridge just yet. Thanks!

 

Feedback About Wal-Mart Carpet Shampooers?I have an older model carpet shampooer and has no rotator brush. It just sprays out the water and sucks it back up. Can anyone tell me how good those shampooers are that you rent from Walmart (or the supermarkets) and do you have to buy the soap that goes with it?

 

Manx Male Cat Poops on The Floor?I have a 3 year old Manx male cat. He is an inside house cat. He has never been outside very much. (He will not go out unless I pick him up and put him out.) The problem is he poops on the floor all the time sometimes as much as 3-4 times daily.