April 16, 2007

Veggie Mac and Cheese MealBoil water for noodles. While you are waiting for noodles: microwave (or boil) your frozen peas, and cut your hot dogs OR open and strain tuna. Prepare mac and cheese the way you like it, stir in desired amount of peas and choice of meat.

 

Broccoli DelightMix all items together and then mix with ranch dressing. Chill for 1 hour before serving. Delicious.

 

Artichoke Pizza AppetizerPreheat oven to 375 degrees F. Separate dough into 4 rectangles. Place crosswise in lightly greased 15x10 inch jelly roll pan; press onto bottom and up sides of pan to form crust, pressing perforations and seams together with fingers to seal.

 

Corn Bread Layered SaladPrepare and bake corn bread according to package directions. Cool on a wire rack. Crumble corn bread into a 2 qt. glass serving bowl. Layer with onions, green pepper, corn and beans.

 

Coconut Drop CookiesPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

 

Beef Rib RoastPlace roast, fat side up, on a rack in a shallow baking pan. Rub with garlic, salt and pepper; top with onion and bacon.

 

At-Home Funnel CakesBeat the eggs, milk, and sugar together. Stir in the salt and baking powder and beat until smooth. Stir in 3 and one half cups of flour, adding the remaining half cup as needed, because the batter should be thin enough to run through a funnel.

 

Comforting Potato CasseroleIn a large bowl, combine the soup, sour cream, cheese and onions; stir in potatoes until coated. Transfer to greased 2 1/2 qt. baking dish.

 

Busy Day Baked FishPreheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a shallow bowl, combine sour cream and soup mix. Place bread crumbs in another shallow bowl.

 

Easy Egg NogIn large bowl, combine milk, egg substitute, sugar and extracts; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

How To Use ThriftyFun EffectivelyWe all love ThriftyFun, right? Lots of times I have thought, "WOW, I would never have thought about that", "What a cute idea" or "What a great tip". I vow that this is something I am not going to forget.

 

Keeping Good RecordsHere are some tips from the IRS about keeping good records. You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year.

 

Use Lattice To Hide Painting LineEver messed with a painting job, especially a noticeable one? Well, I am not a painter. In my front lobby, I painted a lovely deep grey blue. When I came around one of the corners, I realized that living room wall was much too hard to paint, because of high ceilings.

 

Welcome to the World AydenThis is our newest grandbaby, born March 26, 2007. He is 8 days old in this photo. His name is Ayden Kristopher.

 

Recycled Tin ManHere's a cute Tin Man made from recycled food cans. First spray paint all cans and paint nose and mouth and pop tops black.

 

Recycled Magazine HoldersMake your own magazine holders from empty cereal or cracker boxes. Measure up 4 inches from the bottom. Place a mark at 4 inches. Draw a line from the 4 inch mark to the top of the box. (Will be at an angle.) Do this to both sides.

 

Always Park in the Same LaneDo you forget where you park when shopping? If so, make it a habit to always park on the same parking lane, regardless of the store. For example, I always park on the lane in front of the left side entrance of any store.

 

Old Fashioned Stocking UpI'm reading an old Agatha Christie book and the old lady in it had generous "stores" down in the pantry. It's a good, old-fashioned idea.

 

Need More Time To File Your Taxes?If you can't meet the April filing deadline (Midnight, April 17th this year) to file your tax return, you can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the IRS.

 

Chew Food For Weight LossNeed a weight loss tip? Well, I've got a winning tip right here. When eating your food, you should chew every bite 50 times. This way, your jaw gets tired and it sends a signal to your brain saying "I ate enough!"

 

Jazz (Yorkshire Terrier)Jazz is an 8 year old Yorkie. I got him from the local animal shelter.

 

Onesie CakeOne of my best friends is expecting a little girl next month. We are throwing a surprise shower lunch for her at work and I thought that a "onesie cake" would be adorable for the table.

 

Earth Day WebsiteEarth Day is on Sunday, April 22nd so this is a great time to teach kids about conservation, recycling and other green topics. Here is a government website that has some wonderful information for kids and adults.

 

Add Coffee to Chocolate Cake MixWhen making a chocolate boxed cake mix, use brewed coffee as half the liquid required. It will give your cake a much richer taste.

 

Volunteer At Church Thrift ShopsMany times if you volunteer at a church run thrift shop, you can get the items in the shop for 1/2 price. Plus you can get first pick of the incoming items before it gets put out for the customers to buy.

 

Pore Refining?I'm looking for a thrifty way to refine my pores. Any suggestions?

 

Planting a Beavertail Cactus?I have found a beavertail cactus. Where is the best place to plant it?

 

Using a Rusted Fire Screen In My Yard?I have found an old rusted fire screen that I would like to incorporate into my yard. Any Suggestions?

 

What's the Best Soap for a Front Loading Washer?I just bought a frontload washer. Do we need to use that expensive soap? Can we make our own?

 

Growing a Blue Pine?I went to visit my Son in Illinois last year. I purchased a Blue pine tree (small potted). I set it out in my yard when I returned. It hasn't grown much and it has turned green. Any suggestions on how to get it to grow and get it's blue color back? I live in Alabama and the climate here is warmer.

 

Gluten, Egg and Dairy Free Meal Ideas?Does anyone have any ideas for cheap eats that are gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free and that don't take much time to prepare? I'm allergic to all that and am spending far more than my budget will cover on food, plus I'm working on my master's and don't have much time to prepare meals.