February 20, 2008

"Simple as Pie" CookiesRoll out the pie crust dough on a buttered cookie sheet. Using the butter like a big magic marker, spread a nice coating all over the dough, making sure you cover the whole thing.

 

Mexican Hash PastaBrown pork sausage and ground beef (if necessary, add vegetable oil). Add onion, green pepper, garlic, powder, cumin, celery seed, vinegar, and ketchup. Add raisins last.

 

Mushroom N Steak Stroganoff TNT (tried and true)In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic powder, pepper and paprika. Add beef strips and shake to coat. Transfer to a 3-qt slow cooker.

 

Diabetic Applesauce CookiesSift together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and baking soda. Mix butter, sweetener and egg until light and fluffy. Then add flour mixture and applesauce alternately, mixing well after each addition. Fold in raisins and All-Bran.

 

Easy Turkey SoupSeason turkey thighs with garlic powder, pepper and brown in a Dutch oven or stock pot skin side down first, then flip. (no need to add oil).

 

Fish Stick and Cheese SandwichMy daughter loves these sandwiches. When I inquired as to where the recipe came from, she replied, "from my kitchen". I tried one, then later made another and they're very good. Hope you like them too.

 

Turn Oven Off Early To Save EnergyHere's a great energy saver. When you are near the end of the baking time, turn the oven off and keep the door closed. The heat will stay the same long enough to finish baking your dish, and you'll save energy

 

Bring Life Back To An Old LampLet's bring life back to an old lamp. Spray entire lamp, the base and the shade. Let dry. Take ribbon and tie around the base or tie around the shade. Glue one flower or two onto the shade.

 

Chucha (Poodle)Chucha is about 6 years old. We got her from family. She likes to play tag and hide and seek:) She is very fun, energetic, and she always knows how to brighten up the day.

 

A Good Joke for an Election YearWhile walking down the street one day, a US Senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

 

Freeze Excess Veggies To Prevent SpoilageI became tired of throwing away green and red peppers because they either didn't get used or started to go bad. Now I chop them up or cut into strips and put them in freezer bags to take out anytime I need some.

 

Add Sheen Back To Vinyl SidingFor homes that have vinyl cladding that has lost it's lustre and looks tired: Wash down with warm soap and water then spray (cans) with tyre sheen or similar product. It's surprisingly cheap to do and it brings it back to life.

 

Indoor Water FountainMy standing indoor water fountain.

 

Use Zip Ties to Secure LuggageLuggage locks are usually cut off at the airports. I use plastic zip ties where the locks go. If they are cut off, then you know someone was in your luggage. Cheaper then a replacing a cut off lock. Works great.

 

Make Ahead PastaCook 2 lbs. of any pasta (spaghetti, rotini, etc.) in a big pot of salted water until desired texture. Drain and rinse with cold water. Put into a large plastic container, cover with paper towel and refrigerate.

 

Is Your Dog "Scooting"?If your dog is dragging her bottom on the carpet, it probably means her anal glands need to be expressed.

 

Easy Tea TrayI love to use trays in the kitchen, den, dining room, or bedroom to hold a cup of coffee, tea, or a snack, and so I decided to personalize one. I bought an unfinished wooden tray from Michael's for $3 and used a slightly damp sponge to wipe it down with gold craft paint (about 89 cents).

 

Use a Cup to Catch Glue Between UsesWhen using a bottle of glue, use a cup and turn the bottle upside down inside the cup. This will catch the glue and keep it flowing down to the tip so you are ready to use.

 

Hiring Someone to Make a Quilt Out of Ties?Does anyone know of a company or person to actually make a quilt from ties? I've found a company that makes pillows, but I'd prefer to give my daughter a quilt made from her Dad's ties. Thanks!

 

Spray Starch?Does anyone have a good spray starch recipe?

 

Using Scrap Paper to Make a Book?"I'm looking for the stuff that you put on the back side of your scrap paper to stick them together like a little book. I've seen it before, at that time it came in like a small paint can and you would brush it on the back side of the paper you have. " Tips from the ThriftyFun community.

 

Buying a Water Softener?Where should I look for a water softener?

 

'Hoppy' Birthday Theme for Leap Year Birthday Party?I need ideas, games, and activities for 4th graders at my daughter's birthday party. It is leap year so I am going with a 'Hoppy' Birthday/green and pink theme. At 11 years old, they are not little kids but not teenagers, so nothing to kiddie.

 

Teething Puppy's Mouth Is Bleeding?I have a 5 month old husky who has started teething about a month ago.

 

Adding Shine to Dull Tile Flooring?I have ceramic tile throughout my house which has a very dull finish. Can anyone suggest a product that may help to add any sheen or shine to it.

 

What Type of Dog Is This?What type of dog do I have? I was thinking a Belgian Malinois mix of some sort? I adopted her from the humane society, they said she was a german shepherd mix.

 

Training a Poodle?I need advice training my toy poodle.

 

Cream Cheese Con Queso Dip?Does anyone have a recipe for Con Queso Dip with cream cheese?

 

Silverfish in My Bed?Now and then I am finding silverfish in my bed. I didn't think much at first but it's continuing and I'm getting worried. What can I do to stop this?

 

What Shots Does My Puppy Need?I had a question about shots. I adopted my pup when he was 11 weeks old, that was 2 weeks ago. The breeder said he was up to date on all shots and came with a health certificate. He saw the vet a couple of days before I got him and passed with flying colors.

 

Degreaser Removed Finish on Dresser?I had a household degreaser on my wood dresser. The degreaser leaked from the spray bottle and created a sticky glue like ring. I removed it with cold water, and I noticed that I removed the clear coat and maybe the stain. So now I have a really light ring around the front of my new dresser. Any suggestions?

 

Uses for Doilies?I recently received a box full of hand-crochet doilies that my grandmother made. Any ideas what I can do with them?

 

Using Empty Oatmeal Canisters?Uses for oatmeal containers as suggested by the ThriftyFun community. I use mine in various ways. Cover with decorated paper and fill with homemade cookies to give as presents. I even make homemade dog cookies and give to friends with dogs.

 

21st Birthday Party: Pirate Themed?I'm planning a 21st Pirate Themed Party for my roommate and as crafty and cool as I like to think I am, I'm without many ideas. I'm in need of good pirate drinks (we have a rum theme going on), decorations besides the flags and skulls/cross bones and food ideas (pirate themed). I'm hoping to go thrifty since I'll probably spend a bunch on alcohol.