December 2, 2008

Macadamia Crusted CustardsIn a small mixing bowl, beat egg yolks, egg, cream, sugar, rum extract and salt until blended. Pour into two ungreased 6 oz. custard cups. Sprinkle with nuts.

 

Snow PieIn a saucepan, stir the sugar and cornstarch together. Add boiling water and cook until it is thick and clear and add the vanilla. With an electric mixer, on the lowest speed, beat the egg whites to stiff peaks.

 

Mixed Vegetable RaitaRaita is a yogurt based Indian dish. Beat the yogurt in a bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Chill before serving. About 1 hour.

 

Snack MixPut all of the ingredients in a large sack and turn gently to mix.

 

Chicken in Orange SauceMix the flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper in a 1 gallon plastic bag. Place the chicken in the bag and shake until well covered. Remove the chicken from the bag and saute' it in the oil until brown.

 

Salmon Patties with Mustard SaucePlace salmon and liquid in a large bowl. Remove skin and center bone and discard. Add remaining salmon patty ingredients and thoroughly combine. Shape mixture into 12 patties.

 

Butterscotch Rice Crispy TreatsMelt the peanut butter and butterscotch chips together and pour over Rice crispies. Mix well and pour into a well buttered 9x13 inch pan and put in fridge about an hour.

 

Chipotle Fish SandwichIn a shallow dish, combine the flour, chipotle chile pepper and salt. Pat the fish dry with paper towels and coat the fish with the flour mixture and set aside. In large skillet, over medium high heat, saute' the fish for 4-6 minutes, turning once, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

 

Glitter Wooden OrnamentsAt just about any dollar tree, or craft shop, you can find these wonderful wooden shapes. I found these at a yard sale which made each ornament cost me about 15¢!

 

Check the Dollar Store for Holiday SuppliesBefore you go out to the discount stores like Wal-Mart or Target to buy Holiday supplies like gift wrap, bags, bows, cards, and basic ornaments, look for your local dollar store!

 

Storing Fireplace WoodGet 4 wooden shipping pallets and two 8 foot steel fence posts. Lay two of the pallets on the ground away from the house. Have someone hold the other pallet on end then drive one of the steel posts into the ground about three feet.

 

Dryer Sheets for Purse OdorsIf I go to a thrift store or garage sale, I love to look at purses, lol, and so when I find what I like I purchase it take it home. Then I find the fabric softener sheets that you can buy at any store for your drying clothes in the drawer and cut them into a few strips and put a strip into each zipper pocket or compartment.

 

Milkweed Ornaments (Angel Pods)This project, using milkweed pods, is a little tricky and probably more suitable for adults or teens. It is somewhat time consuming because of all the paint drying time, unless you leave it natural (see photo).

 

Make Your Own Cake for ChristmasMake a cake for Christmas instead of buying one. Cake mix and frosting are on sale this time of the year. Where I live, cake mixes are on sale for 88 cents a box and frosting for $1.50.

 

Infant Football CostumeWe needed a costume for my sister's baby for their Church's Fall Festival Block Party. She and her husband both enjoy football and already had jerseys, so I made the baby a football costume with about a 1/4 yard of fleece. Easy, fun and inexpensive. cost less than $3.

 

Pot Of Gold Christmas GiftA nice Christmas gift is to make a pot of gold usually found at the end of rainbows! This is a good present for people who are difficult to buy for.

 

Have a Swap for "New" Toys for ChristmasMy daughter and her friends are not buying their children any new toys for Christmas. Instead, they are having a toy swap among themselves. Their kids will get all "new" toys without having to spend a dime!

 

Make Personalized Tags With Old Christmas CardsI save Christmas cards (my own and from friends) and cut out any large shapes on the front (nativity scene, angel, snowman, Santa playing soccer or tennis or football, candy canes, reindeer, etc.).

 

Doggie Treats Out Of Stale BreadHaving adopted my third "recycled" dog who is being trained, I was going through a lot more doggie treats than before. I decided to take some bread that was going stale anyway and try an experiment.

 

Applying Eye Shadow as Smudge Proof EyelinerFor easy to apply, smudge proof eyeliner, just use eye shadow applied with either a slightly moistened sponge eye makeup applicator or a cotton swab. I prefer to use dark brown eyeshadow applied with a cotton swab.

 

Avoiding Charitable BankruptcyIt feels good to donate to a charitable cause. I write the check that I know will buy the last ingredient needed to find the cure for cancer, and it feels good. Then, I write the check to help pay for books at a school ravaged by floods, and it feels good, too.

 

Stewie (Double Dapple Dachshund)Stewie is almost 2 and a Double Dapple Dachshund. I got him from my hairdresser. There were 2 in the litter. She kept one and I took Stewie.

 

Hang Family Calendar in the BathroomHang your family calendar in the bathroom, right next to the commode. I know this sounds odd, but it is a great way to keep track of things. Everyone in the house will see it, and you'll have just the few moments you need to catch up and jot things down!

 

Save Leftover Chip CrumbsWhen you get to the bottom of the chip bag and the tortilla chip bags there are always broken chips in the bottom. The broken potato chip pieces make wonderful casserole toppings, filler in meatloaf, coating for chicken and other meats for frying, etc.

 

Meet Family in the MiddleYesterday was a fine day. My kids drove south for 20 minutes and we drove north for 20 minutes. We all met at a car show. Perfect weather to wander around and look at over 1000 various cars. Meeting at a place like that saved us all driving time and gas money.

 

Painted BottlesWith the holidays coming up, many people will be celebrating with wine and champagne. Or, if you're like me, sparkling cider. Save those bottles.

 

Acne Remedies Causing More Acne?I have really bad acne and acnes scars on my face. My skin is very oily. I have tried many different medicines and herbal treatments, but nothing has worked. If I put coconut oil on my hair, acne forms on my face.

 

Helping Chihuahua Adjust to New Home?My 11 month old Chihuahua is not adjusting to his new home. We already have a 3 month old who has adjusted just fine, but the 11 month old is terrified. I'm afraid if we keep him too long and it doesn't work out it will ruin any chances with a new owner. Not sure if we should keep him or return him to the breeder. Any thoughts?

 

How Much Primer Should I Use?How thick does primer need to go on a wall before painting? Should the wall show through at all? I think I might be too much of a perfectionist or at least ignorant of how to prime a room. My room is 10x10 and I've used one and a third gallons on the walls.

 

What Does DH Mean?I know that this question is going to seem silly to some folks; but, often I see the letters DH in reference to someone's husband. What does DH stand for? Dear Heart? Dumb Husband? Thanks in advance for clearing this up.

 

How to Determine Spacing of Grommets on Curtains?I am using large grommets in the top of my curtains. I need to know how far in should my first one be? The rest will be 8 inches apart.

 

Freezing Thanksgiving Leftovers?Is it safe to freeze leftovers from Thanksgiving? I was thinking about the green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, and stuffing.

 

Burn Marks on Acrylic and Wool Skirt?I burnt my skirt which is 80% acrylic and 20% wool. Is there anything I can do to remove it?

 

Step-By-Step Instructions for Painting Countertops?I have been reading all the posts and I am very excited to tackle my countertops, but I need step by step instructions and maybe a shopping list. Does anyone know where I can print one or can give me an idea on how to get started?

 

Using Less Laundry Soap?Is there anyone out there who uses one third of the recommended amount of liquid Tide for a large load? Are your clothes generally coming out clean? Your feedback is appreciated.

 

What Does Salt Do to Cells?What effect does salt have on cells?

 

My Mother is Nagging Me About My Weight?My mother is a very opinionated person. She thinks everyone needs to do things that she does and that her way is the only way. I am over weight. She is very skinny but still diets. She keeps pushing me to do her diet of drinking shakes and only eating salad and chicken. I do not like the shakes and I have a family to cook for and it would be hard to incorporate this into our lives. I want to lose weight but by eating smaller portions and learning to eat the right way.

 

Making Ceramic Tile Plate Warmers?Someone gave me a box of huge ceramic tiles, I would like to make some plate/pan warmers. Can someone tell me how? Do I need special paints or glaze? How long can they be in the oven? I am trying to make Christmas gifts, I want to teach my kids that making is better than buying! Thanks.

 

Getting Rid of Skunks?I am looking for ways to keep skunks away. I saw someone suggest using coffee grounds, but how do you use them? What are the bowls of vinegar used for?