March 19, 2008

Lemon Mustard ChickenPreheat oven to 375 degrees F. Wash chicken pieces and pat dry. Place chicken in shallow pan. In small saucepan, melt margarine. Stir in mustard, lemon juice, tarragon and salt.

 

Mildred's Sausage CasseroleCrumble, brown, and drain sausage. Add all ingredients, except rice, and blend. Stir in rice. If a little dry, add 1/2 soup can of milk. Do not use any salt or seasonings.

 

Light Chicken MarsalaSeason chicken with salt and pepper. Using a non-stick pan, cook chicken in oil at medium high, about 3 minutes per side or until done. Remove from pan and cover with foil.

 

Two BBQ Sandwich RecipesWell with the price of groceries sky high, I went through my recipes for recipes I make that are not expensive and you can have for dinner with a side dish or by itself. Most of the ingredients you have on hand. There are 2 and they differ a little in the sauce and also one calls for Hamburg and chipped ham, one calls for chipped ham only.

 

Classic Cole SlawMix veggies and salt and let stand while preparing dressing. Combine dressing ingredients and boil 1 minute. Cool to lukewarm. Pour over slaw mixture.

 

Strawberry-Glazed Fruit SaladIn a large bowl, gently toss strawberries, pineapple mandarin oranges, and bananas; fold into glaze. Chill for 1 hour.

 

Fish Fillets With Rice (Microwave)Combine rice, onion, herbs, spices, lemon juice, and water. In 2 qt. casserole, cut fish in serving size pieces and arrange on top of rice. Dot with butter; sprinkle with paprika. Cover with glass or plastic wrap.

 

Cherry MuffinsPrepare pans with grease and flour. Stir together dry ingredients and add the cherries. Mix eggs, cherry liquid and melted butter. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes at 375 degrees F.

 

Gulliver's Creamed CornCombine all ingredients, except butter and flour, in large saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Blend butter with flour and add to the corn, mixing well.

 

Hot Artichoke SpreadCombine all ingredients; mix well. Spoon into lightly greased 3 cup casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Serve with crackers.

 

Changing Bulbs Saves Money on ElectricityLower your electric bill by replacing as many standard incandescent light bulbs as possible with compact fluorescent bulbs. Don't wait for the standard bulbs to blow out.

 

Tea Wallet SubstituteAs a tea drinker, I like to carry the tea bags in my purse that I enjoy to drink especially when I am going to a restaurant or even to a party in someone's home, church or other functions.

 

Safely Cleaning Porcelain, Enamel, etc.Purchase "Whiting" from your Paint department (it's used to thicken paint and is the 'white' powdered residue that you see after polishing your car) for about $5/3-5lbs. (don't worry, this will last about 15 years). I purchased a large (6oz) salt shaker for using it.

 

Using AsparagusAsparagus is low in calories and full of nutrients such as folic acid, potassium and vitamins A and C.

 

Easter Themed Fabric Crayon RollsThese crayon rolls are so easy to make and you can use any theme fabric that kids like such as Dora, SpiderMan, etc. Here I have made an Easter theme one, great for the Easter baskets.

 

Link: Prom Wear And Other Crafts from Duck TapeIt's prom time and did you know that the people who make Duck Tape have a contest for prom wear made out of Duck Tape? All sorts of cool pix and DIY plans for other projects at:

 

Neo (Persian)Neo is 3 years old and a Persian. We got her at a cat show in 2005.

 

Pretty In Pink Shower CakeThis is a photo of a Baby shower cake that I recently baked and decorated. I'd call it "Pretty in Pink", definitely for a baby girl. I sectioned it off in big blocks. some pink with white dots and some white with pink dots. It had a bib, a gift, a heart, baby booties, a bear and a butterfly.

 

Harvest Basket From AustraliaAt the end of our long, dry summer this harvest basket was my winning entry in our local Garden Club competition. We had 9 weeks without any recorded rain and the garden was so dry. It is amazing what can still be found to eat in this arid food garden.

 

Getting the Last of the Tube of FoundationWhen I buy foundation makeup, my favorite shade comes only in a tube type container, much like toothpaste. When it is empty, there is a lot actually left inside the tube. I carefully cut the end off with scissors. I am then able to dig out another week's worth with my finger. No use throwing it away when there is a lot left.

 

Use Clear Vinyl Shoe Holders for StorageYou can usually find plastic-pocket type "Shoe" holders at a dollar store. These are made from clear flexible vinyl pockets and are made to hang shoes on the wall or from a hanger in your closet. But you can also use them for many other things besides shoes.

 

Inventive Clothes Line and Post StraighteningAfter many years of high washing and drying bills, I wanted to go back to a clothes line outdoors, even though I have devised a series of clothes line "poles" for one storage hallway adjacent to my laundry area indoors from 4-5' tension poles that local folks have tossed on their curbs...

 

Easy Plastic Chocolate Easter EggsThis article is in honor of my mom Patricia Churchman who, when she was alive, never let an Easter pass without going to our local chocolate shop and buying us the most beautiful chocolate eggs. They were so beautiful that we even did not want to eat them.

 

Coffee Grounds for Icy SidewalksI came home during a freezing rain storm on Sunday Night. My cement steps were treacherous and I was out of Ice Salt and table salt. I racked my brain to think of what I could use and went to make myself a pot of coffee then I thought of the used coffee grounds.

 

Add a Toothpick When Hard Boiling EggsAlways add a toothpick to water first and the egg will never crack when boiling.

 

Craft Project: Bunny BagThis cute bunny bag can be used as a gift bag or table decor. Very inexpensive and easy to make! Fringe top of bag by making 2 inch long cuts about every 1/4 inch along top edge of flattened bag. Draw bunny teeth using black marker and white paper.

 

Easter EggsIt's getting to be time for dyeing Easter eggs with the kids. Here are some techniques for getting some unique looking eggs for the baskets. Be sure to post your favorite tips here too.

 

Clean Medicine Containers Throughly Before UsingUse old clean medicine containers to store change, buttons, or anything small. Just make sure you wash it carefully.

 

Goodie Bags as PresentsI have a frugal idea for giving gifts when you are on a tight budget. I have 6 nephews and nieces aged between 6 and 15 and, with money so tight, I didn't know what to get them all.

 

Quick and Easy Easter EggsIf kids stop by and you need a quick and easy project that's done with supplies you already have around the house, here's a less messy way to color Easter eggs.

 

Catastrophic Health Insurance vs. CobraAfter my daughter's husband lost his job, the company wanted almost $1500 to COBRA his health plan for her husband and herself. After doing some research, they learned that they could save a tremendous amount of money by purchasing a catastrophic health insurance plan with a HSA.

 

Growing Sunflowers from Seedlings?My questions are, why are they "bending" like that? Is it normal? What can I do to make them straight? Although some of them grow straight and are not bending like that. Should I move them to pots? I can't plant them out yet because they are so tiny, weak and will be destroyed by rain or wind.

 

Homemade Gel Candles?Does anyone have a recipe for making your own candle gel? I don't want to buy it ready-made if it is cheaper to make it myself.

 

Inside Entertainment For a Large Dog?What is the best way to entertain a 52 pound dog when the weather is too bad to go out? We're having high winds and driving rain right now - and the great outdoors is slippery and puddled. Our dog has bundles of puppy energy.

 

Wedding Shower Ideas?Some friends and I (baby boomer age) are hosting a wedding shower for a friend. Any tips for showers for more mature brides?

 

Aunt Jemima Easy Coffee Cake Mix?I'm looking for Aunt Jemima Easy Coffee Cake Mix. I can't find it at Walmart or Krogers. Does anyone know what grocery food chain carries it?

 

Refinishing a Wood Coffee Table?I have an old coffee table. It has lots of nicks and scratches from our kids. What would be the easiest way to refinish it?

 

Make Your Own Ottoman?I would like to make an upholstered x base ottoman. Does anyone know where I can find a site to learn how to do that?

 

Simple, Quick Appetizers and Finger Foods?I am looking for simple, quick recipes for appetizers or any kind of finger foods.

 

Groundhogs Eating Roses?How do I keep deer and groundhogs from eating my roses?

 

Arby's Style Roast Beef?Does anyone have a recipe for Arby's Style Roast Beef? Thanks.

 

Removing Hard Water Stains in an Aquarium?I have a fish tank with two goldfish and a red eared slider turtle in it. I have some hard water/foggy stains on part of the glass that is not under water now. How do I clean the glass without killing the turtle and his pets? The tank is 30 gallons, and there is about 25-27 gallons of water in it.

 

Fixing Up An Old Rental Trailer?I'm getting out of a bad relationship and moving into an old ugly trailer. The kitchen cabinets have really been abused and are ugly. It's a rental so I can not do anything permanent. Any ideas?

 

Could Bird Seed Be Causing Seizures in My Dog?My rat terrier is almost 2 years old and I have a cockatiel. I've caught him eating the bird food from around the cage in November 07. He had his first seizure, since then he has had two more. Could the bird food or droppings be causing the seizures? He is quite healthy and active except for that. Since November he has had 3 seizures that i know of.

 

Adjusting the Carburetor on a Craftsman Riding Mower?I have a 17 year old craftsman riding mower. It dies when I put it in fast gear and does not run smooth. I am almost positive that adjusting the carburetor will do the trick, but I do not know how to do it. The man I bought the tractor from mentioned that he tried to adjust it but did not succeed.

 

What Breed is my Dog?I got a dog in Jan. 2008 from DENKAI and was told he is Min Pin mixed breed, but I m not sure about his breed. He was about five months old in January 2008, now he is almost 7 months.

 

White Heat Mark on Leather Topped Writing Desk?How do I remove a white heat mark from a leather type of dark green surfaced writing desk? I placed a cup of hot coffee on a few sheets of white paper on my new desk and left a fantastic white mark on its surface within an hour of getting it.

 

Champagne Flute Wedding Favors?Does anyone have any ideas for wedding favor fillers. My sister in law is getting married and has asked that I take care of the favors. I happen to have boxes of champagne flutes (plastic) and am completely stumped as to what to fill them with?

 

Tool Bar That Detects Impostor Websites?Does anyone know of a tool bar addition that tells you if you are on the website you have requested (not an impostor website)? I had it on my computer, but lost it. Thanks.

 

Making Clothes for a Tea Cup Chihuahua?I need some instructions for sewing my own dog clothing. I have just recently adopted (well was given as a birthday present!) a 7 week old tea cup Chihuahua puppy.

 

Attaching Pressure Gauge to Pressure Cooker?I have a pressure cooker that was used one time after I bought it about 5 years ago. It is like new, even the gasket. However, I lost the pressure gauge and had to buy another one. Unfortunately, the brand is discontinued (Innova), but I was told by another company that they could send one that would work. I am not familiar with these cookers and have lost the manual as well (can't replace it). Can anyone tell me, is the pressure gauge supposed to snap on the lid?

 

Creating a Budget on Waitress Wages?I am about to move out of my parent's house soon. I am trying to form a budget and need some help. The problem is that I am a waitress, so my net pay can vary immensely from week to week. I'm trying to figure out how much I can afford for rent each month. Any thoughts? Thank you.

 

Painting Outdoor Swing Fabric?I have an outside upholstered swing. The fabric is connected to the main part of the swing it is looking very weathered. I have been thinking about trying to paint it. I have read a little about it. Does the textile medium added to regular washable interior paints really work on fabrics?

 

Recipes Using Firm Tofu?I need an easy recipe for firm tofu. I used 1/2 a pkg in Phad Thai. But I would like to make something different with the other half. Thanks!

 

Basket for George Foreman Jr. Baby Rotisserie?I bought a George Foreman Jr. Rotisserie, didn't come with a flat basket. I would like to buy one as store says they can't find one. Where can I get one?

 

Keeping Blackbirds Off a Car?There are no trees outside my house, I have a parking bay. Everyday, blackbirds sit on my car and cover it in 'droppings'. Has anyone got any idea why? Or better still have any solution as to how I can stop them? Apart from setting up a scarecrow on the roof! Any ideas would be helpful, it's getting ridiculous and the paint is being destroyed. Many thanks.

 

Dog Jealous of New Puppy?I have a 6 year old Manchester terrier and have just got a 12 week old staff pup, the older dog snaps at he pup when he goes too near him but not all the time. He tries to lay with him but he growls badly at him.

 

Portosystemis Shunt (PSS) For a Puppy?I have a 4.5 month old Siberian Husky. Does anyone have information on PSS (Portosystemis Shunt). I'm waiting on blood results to come back for my puppy after he had some kind of seizure fit the other night. Has anyone had a pet that has had this PSS done that might know more about it's symptoms etc. I would be grateful if anyone can help. Thanks.

 

Child's Birthday Party On a Budget?I am under great financial pressure and I promised my daughter a skating party, that I can't afford to do. I live in Michigan on a wet and muddy farm, in a small house. I'm looking for cheap but nice party ideas for 8 year old girls. I'm thinking of 4 of her friends, my daughter and my son (who is one year younger).

 

Wallpapering Panels of Old Wardrobe?I want to wallpaper the panels of an old wardrobe, it is varnished. Do I have to put primer on it or can i just sand then use enamel paint? I would appreciate any help!

 

Shirts With Frayed Collars and Cuffs?My husband's business shirts have frayed collars and cuffs. I don't sew, but I understand you can flip these worn ends and turn them around. How much should I pay? Would my dry cleaners or a tailor do this?

 

Has Anyone Used The 'Paw Plunger'?Have you tried the Paw Plunger? Does it work? For what size of dog?

 

Hotel Gift Basket Ideas?I want an idea on some things to place in a gift basket for someone to have in there hotel room, snacks, etc.

 

Can Only One Child Have Head Lice?My boyfriend has a two year old daughter he gets on weekends and he brings her over to my house with my two young children. Every time he brings his daughter back to her mother, her mother claims she has head lice.

 

Graduation Party for a Math Major?I can always come up with great ideas for everyone except myself. I need ideas for a college graduation party. I have the food covered, and the cake (cake decorating idea was from one of you!!). I plan on doing a picture display or a power point of pictures that run over and over (I have to see the room first to see if there is a wall or screen I can run this on).

 

Venues to Sell Homemade Tea Light Holders?I am looking for venues to sell or to consign my tea light candle holders that I make. They are perfect for wedding decor. They can be enjoyed afterwards in your own home or given as gifts to your wedding party. I currently sell on e-bay. Please take a look. I have attached a picture of one of the styles that I offer. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!