August 27, 2008

Pineapple PicklesSimmer together for 45 minutes: vinegar, sugar and spices. Remove spices from brine. Add pineapple chunks and simmer gently for 1 hour. While hot, put in hot pint jars and seal.

 

Country Ham and Cheese BiscuitsThese hearty biscuits can be kept in the freezer for a quick heat-and-eat breakfast.

 

Bar-B-Q SandwichesThis is like Sloppy Joes. Brown beef with a little bit of water and salt. Add brown sugar, green peppers, onion, ketchup, and a dash of chili powder. The more you simmer, the better it gets. Serve on buns.

 

Rocky Road Bars This recipe is my most favorite. If you take it anywhere for a dessert, make sure you grab a plate and put this on it first because it goes so fast and this is no joke. It is that wonderful and delicious. My husband went to get a piece for himself and it was only 15 minutes later and it was gone.

 

Sweet and Sour Mandarin SaladCook almonds and sugar over low heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted with almonds are coated. Cook and break apart. Store at room temperature.

 

Recipes For Ravioli FillingI bought some Durum Semolina on sale and don't know what to use it for! I am willing to try to make homemade ravioli but want interesting recipes for ingredients inside them! Thanks!

 

MeltawaysCream margarine in bowl until fluffy. Blend in cornstarch, flour and 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar, mixing well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 12 minutes.

 

Shrimp and RicePour into a buttered 8x8 inch baking dish. Top with buttered toast cubes. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes.

 

Sausage Crescent RollPut your crescent roll dough together to make one large square. Spread ricotta cheese over surface. Take cooked sausage and spread on top. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Salt and pepper to taste.

 

Hot Deviled PotatoesPrepare potatoes according to package directions. Heat sour cream, do not boil. Add mustard, salt and sugar. Stir to blend. Stir in hot potatoes and add onion. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake 30 minutes in 350 degrees F oven.

 

Real Texas Chili - No BeansHeat oil in 4 quart heavy kettle. Add beef and stir frequently until meat changes color but not browned. Lower heat and add garlic. Combine chili powder, cumin and flour. Sprinkle over meat. Stir; then crumble oregano over meat.

 

All Day StewPlace meat in bottom of a 4 qt. dish. Cover with vegetables. Mix next 3 ingredients and sprinkle over vegetables. Pour juice over all; cover tightly. Bake at 250 degrees F for 5 hours.

 

Kitchen Cleaning TipsThe kitchen is a special challenge because of the variety of cleaning needs. Grease can be absorbed while still fresh by throwing a bit of cornstarch or baking soda right on the grease then wiping away when cleaning the rest of the kitchen.

 

Ask for What You Are Looking for at Garage SalesWhen you are looking for something in particular at yard sales and don't see it, just ask. I have found that sellers are "motivated to sell" once they have started and will sometimes go into the house and bring out the item you are looking for.

 

Kitchen Tools for Deviled EggsWhen making deviled eggs, I use 2 tools that help simplify the task and help in making the eggs look more uniform.

 

Fred Flintstone?I'm looking for Fred Flintstone, anyone see him?

 

Fitz (Shih Tzu)Fitz is a 5 month old Shih Tzu. I bought Fitz in April of 2008. He loves to play with his sock and wants you to pull it with him. He uses his sock as a pacifier when he goes to sleep.

 

Halloween Rhinestone ShirtBuy a cheap black t-shirt. (I paid $2.50 for mine at Michael's) and then get a rhinestone Halloween themed iron on and iron it on your shirt. So simple, and NO sewing involved. As the month gets colder you can layer it with a white or orange turtleneck. Great for kids too!

 

Offer Used Plastic Bags to CustomersThis may sound a little "unprofessional" to some, but in my business I mostly use used plastic bags for my customers. I simply ask "Would you like a recycled, used plastic bag?" and so far EVERY customer I've asked has said with enthusiasm "Why YES, I would LOVE a recycled bag!"

 

Meal Planning Notebook and Filing SystemAs a working mom, I enjoy cooking but was getting a bit bored with what felt like limited menu choices. Our busy schedule had caused us to fall into a rut, eating the same items over and over again.

 

Party on a PennyThere are great ways to save on children's parties and still make the kids smile. Whether it's a birthday party or a themed slumber party, save money and gain smiles.

 

Mini Lava Lamp With GlitterI get these wonderful glitter containers at Walmart for 97 cents. They have a neat screw on top and a handy handle. I keep mini sewing kits, first aid kits, camping matches, make up and more in them.

 

Use Waxed Paper to Prevent Skin on Stored PaintTo prevent unused paint from forming a skin, trace the paint can lid onto a piece of waxed paper. Use the top of the lid, not the side that the paint is on.

 

How I Caused A Kitchen FireYesterday the weather turned colder so I got out my bread machine and set up a loaf for dinner. I placed it on my flat topped stove because I don't have a very large kitchen and the counterspace was full. This was a big mistake.

 

Be Cautious Using Water from DehumidifiersThis is in regard to a tip I read several weeks ago. A reader said she uses the water from her dehumidifier for the birds. My dehumidifier has a WARNING: DO NOT DRINK THE WATER, IT MAY MAKE YOU ILL. I am sure the same would be for birds or any animals.

 

Use An Art Sponge For ExfoliatingI have dry skin, and like most of us, don't like to use something harsh on my face. I found this little art sponge/stencil dauber at a yard sale for .25, and it's nylon "scrubbies" are perfect. They exfoliate without hurting my face, and the round shape is perfect for dipping into the container I put my face wash in.

 

Mini Clay Pot Bird BathThis decorative little bird bath can work as a place to keep stamps, paperclips, safety pins, or even potpourri. It also seems very popular as a Barbie or dollhouse decoration.

 

Freezing GrapesI take whatever seedless grape is on sale, take them off the "vine" and rinse and dry them. I put them in quart sized Ziplock and freeze them.

 

Organic Solutions for a Small Orchard?I have a small orchard of variety which consists of peaches, cherries, pears, and apples trees. I don't really know when to spray them for bugs and different diseases. Where can I look for good information? I like to have as many organic solutions, as I don't really agree with using chemicals.

 

Puppy Is Jealous Of Other Puppy?I recently obtained two pit bulls from a horrible situation. I got them when they were only about 3-4 weeks old due to their mother not wanting to feed them anymore. We had to feed them puppy formula by hand for around 4 weeks.

 

Covering Up Clorox Stains On Carpet?How can I remove/hide Clorox stains on carpet? I have a small Clorox stain on my carpet near the washer and I heard that there is some type of dye or spray that is available to cover it up. Has anyone heard this?

 

Backpack Vs. Sling?What is the difference in a backpack and a sling? (A sling has only 1 strap) I am trying to find something to carry my lunch in and free up my hands. Also, do you think backpacks are suitable for business attire (women skirt suits)?

 

Cheese Bread Recipe?Looking for a recipe I lost. Basically you take a round shaped loaf of fresh bread. Score the top in both directions cutting about 2/3rds of the way through. On top scatter shredded cheese. Wrap in foil and bake until cheese melts. Does anyone have the complete recipe? It seems to me there was something else to put on top or in the bread. I can come up with ideas, but the original recipe was such a hit. Thanks in advance.

 

Recipe For Peach/Mango Salsa?I am looking for a good recipe for peach/mango salsa.

 

Dog Had Dislocated Jaw?My dog woke up unable to close his mouth or eat on Sunday. The first vet said he had a throat infection. The 2nd vet said his jaw was dislocated and put it back in place. I can now close his mouth but he still does not close it or eat very well. Am I expecting too much after a day?

 

Sewing Items To Make Extra Money?I would like to start sewing again and would like any ideas on items to sew to sell on eBay or at flea markets, etc. to make some extra money. Any tips would be appreciated.

 

Recycling Plastic Bags?How do you recycle plastic bags?

 

Prepping Formica To Paint?If I can paint the back splash of my Formica counter tops with a semi gloss, will I have to prepare them by sanding? The space all total might be 6'x6'. I just want a change, without getting new ones. Thanks for all the help.

 

Reviews Of Mythic Paint?Has anyone tried Mythic brand of non-toxic indoor house paint? It has no off-gassing and no VOC's. I saw it advertised on TV and am curious about it's durability. And how smoothly it goes on.

 

Christmas Float Ideas: "Christmas' Past"?I need ideas for a Christmas parade float. The theme is Christmas' Past. We are a fifty+ women's club, so we want to tie it all together.

 

Canning Homemade Apple Juice?I want to can apple juice. I have juiced fresh apples from the farm. How long do you heat or boil before putting in jars?

 

Growing Ivy From Cuttings?I love Ivy and would like to start up an outdoor pot of mixed Ivy. Does anyone have any advice on taking a cutting? My neighbors have a lovely mixture of Ivy plants. Thank you.

 

Outdoor Furniture Leaves White Marks On Clothing?What causes my white outdoor furniture to leave white chalky marks on my clothing when I sit on it? How do I get it to stop?

 

Angel Food Ministries In California?I would like to know where in California there is a Angel Food Ministries for people to get food. I have children in Ukiah and Willits California.

 

Is Dog's Shedding Caused By Lack Of Vitamins?Do you think there are any vitamins or oils my Lab may be lacking? She is shedding so bad. Any advice?

 

Supporting A Scarecrow?How do I support a scarecrow? I know many of you have made up scarecrows for Fall seasons. What are some of the ways you have supported them? I'd like to make it so I can re-position him every few days. I would love photos and/or ideas. Thanks so much.

 

Instructional DVD For Making A Rag Rug?I want to make a braided Rag Rug and have no one to show me the basics. Are there any good books or DVD's? I like the tee shirt idea but do not exactly know how to connect them. Thanks

 

Bagging Your Own Groceries?I have purchased several totes that are offered in various stores to use when I grocery shop in keeping up with being echo-friendly. The problem I seem to have is that the stores are not willing to help with bagging the items for you. Most larger grocery stores now have the carousels with their bags in place (plastic bags) so there is no room to put your totes.

 

How Is Shingles Spread?How is Shingles spread? I've been reading about Shingles and have seen kind of contradictory information as to whether it can be spread through the air? Is it ever airborne or is it only passed by contact with the blisters?