July 19, 2005

Fantastic CauliflowerTrim cauliflower and core the stem out of it. Steam until tender but still firm. (poke a bamboo skewer in it as if testing a cake)

 

Party PotatoesBoil potatoes in salted water to cover until tender. Add cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt and pepper. Blend well. Spread in buttered 9x13 inch baking pan. Refrigerate or freeze. Garnish with chives and paprika.

 

Hash Brown PotatoesMix potatoes, milk, soup and sour cream together. Season to taste. Spread in 9x13 inch pan. Cover with cheddar cheese and drizzle melted margarine. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

 

Getting a Hoya to BloomIf you are having trouble getting a Hoya to bloom, try it directly in a west window and remember when it does bloom, let the blossoms fall as another will take it's place in the same spot on the vine.

 

Reusing Headboards for the GardenOld brass or wrought iron headboards can be used as trellises in the garden and also add a touch of whimsy to the overall landscape look.

 

Potato PuffsI used all left over mashed potatoes to make potato puffs. I season the mashed potatoes up with garlic powder, minced onion, salt and pepper. I then combine the potato mixture with cracker meal, and one egg until it can form a ball.

 

Give Hands a Spa Treatment While GardeningUse your gardening time to give your hands the spa treatment. Before you put on your gardening gloves, coat your hands with a thick coating of moisturizer.

 

Saving Money on Your Wedding CakeWe saved money on the wedding cake because we ordered a very plain cake. It was only frosted with pearl frosting edging. Then we took left over live flowers that were not used in the wedding and decorated the cake.

 

Things To Consider When You Buy SomethingAt least it is for me! When I am thinking of buying something, I make myself stop long enough to consider the following questions:

 

Sydney (Australian Shepherd/Collie)This is my dog Sydney. I rescued her from the animal shelter when she was 10 weeks old. She will be 2 in September. She's an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix. Sydney loves to play ball!

 

Uses for JarsTips for reusing jars. Post your ideas.

 

Taking Factory Tours While on VacationThe cost of vacation destinations are spiraling upward. But your family can still have fun at no cost and receive free items to boot.

 

If You Can... JokeIf you can start the day without caffeine...

 

Fill Up Gas Tank Before WeekendAlways fill up your gas tank on Thursdays because they always hike up the prices on Fridays for the weekend because that is when most people travel.

 

Freshening Your Air Conditioned AirAttach a medium white thin cloth to indoor air conditioner filter with perfume or spices sprayed on it. Use your imagination.

 

Keeping Rust off Tools?Tips for keeping rust off tools. Post your ideas.

 

Only Half of Electrical Circuit Works?We recently purchased an old home (105 years old) and one day half of the lights on a circuit stopped working. They stopped when I turned on a sconce and it shorted and blew the circuit breaker. Half the lights on the circuit went out, not to be seen again.

 

Gasoline Smell on Wicker?We recently bought white wicker furniture to use in the sitting room attached to our bedroom. Unfortunately, it gives off an odor similar to a gasoline or motor oil product. We have spray painted it and the odor still persists. How can we get rid of the odor? Will it dissipate over time if we wait? I worry about ingesting the "fumes" as we sleep.

 

Ran Out Of Laundry Soap?Need to do a load of laundry and you have ran out of laundry soap? Here are some ideas that may help.