December 3, 2008

Dr Pepper CakeSift together sugar and flour. In a saucepan, bring to a boil: shortening, margarine, Dr. Pepper, and cocoa. Pour over flour mixture while it is hot. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, cinnamon and vanilla. Bake in a 13x9 inch pan at 350 degrees F for approximately 35 minutes.

 

Orange Coconut CrispsCombine flour, coconut and baking soda. In a bowl, cream together butter, sugar, egg, orange juice and rind; stir in flour mixture and blend well.

 

Magic Bars

Ingredients

Craft Project: Recycled Gift CupsRecycle plastic containers into holiday gift cups! Fill with treats and give with a smile!

 

Packing Peanuts in Net Bags for Plant ContainersLike many others I use packing peanuts in my flower containers. I don't have to use as much potting soil, and it keeps my containers lighter. This year I went to go change out the soil in my biggest container. I had to hand pick out each peanut from the soil. What a chore! When I went to replace the peanuts this time, I put them in an onion net bag and tied the bag off. Next time I go to change out the potting soil it will be a snap!

 

Heart-Faced Christmas OrnamentThis adorable doll-faced, heart, Christmas tree ornament is easy to make and a great gift for kids. It only requires some paint, ribbon, glue and a cheap wooden heart. Well maybe a pencil and some doll hair too, but that's it!

 

Recycle Old Cups and Saucers as Frugal GiftsUse old coffee cups and saucers. Hot glue the cup to the saucer and it can be used as flower arrangement or soap dish or jewelry holder. Nice way to recycle an old coffee cup. Drill small holes for drainage if use for plants for Mother's Day.

 

Christmas Kissing BallThis is a holiday decoration that not only adds delight to your Christmas spirit but also incorporates some Christmas tradition.

 

My Frugal Holiday: Thinking About GiftsI'm the first to admit I am one of the least organized people I know. That being said, when it comes to saving money I am a little less lazy than some people but don't get it confused with my terrible organization skills!

 

Creative Paper Ideas for the MailThis is about paper. Any and all kinds of paper. The appearance of it; the feel of it; even the magic smell of it. Newspaper. Catalog paper. Wrapping paper. Wall-paper, but most of all stationery. That is writing paper. I love the history of papyrus, Chinese paper, Japanese paper.

 

Crocheted SnowflakeAnother of the original 9 or so I am submitting this week. Again, I used a sisle type yarn for a country effect.

 

Boris and Milo (Mix Breeds)Boris is 8 months and Milo is almost 2 years old. We're not sure with Boris but we believe the Milo is part Hamiltonstovare. We adopted both of our boys in June 2008.

 

Have Kids Write Notes in the Busy MorningMy children like to tell me important stuff that I have to act on just 5 minutes before they are gone for school in the morning. At that point, I usually do not have a second to spare on writing down any reminders.

 

Create a Tree With Your ChildrenInstead of a tree that may shed, cause allergies, or one that you have to pay $300 for, why don't you make your own? This is a money AND space saver.

 

Ask A Friend To Take Your Engagement PhotosSome friends are getting married and asked me, a definite non-professional, to take some pictures to celebrate their engagement in order to save a few pennies. We went to some really pretty outdoor sites, since I of course don't have a studio and had a really fun afternoon together.

 

Knifty Knitter Purse for a Little GirlI was practicing some stitches while learning to crochet. I had a little crocheted piece about 5 inches wide and 12 inches long in a pale yellow. I just had thrown it aside. I got to looking at it today and decided to fold it in half longwise and stitch up long sides in matching yarn.

 

Joke: How Many Electrical Engineers?Q: How many electrical engineers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

 

Link: HometownFavorites.com for Old Fashioned CandyI have a site that I thought you might like to take a look at with a lot of the old time candies that we grew up with in the 50's, 60's, etc., and, in most cases, we can not find any longer.

 

Ask for Free Gift Boxes When ShoppingWhile out holiday shopping, be sure to ask if the store has free gift boxes available for each purchase made. Many major retailers will give you the boxes either at the register or at Customer Service counter.

 

My Frugal Life: Time-Honored Ways To SaveHere I am at home, between jobs, 57 years old and looking for ways to save money. I am one of the fortunate ones; I have had a small amount saved against this possibility. That doesn't mean that I'm not watching every cent.

 

Make Your Own Stretchy Pony Tail HolderI made a discovery a few days ago after paying 4 bucks plus shipping for a pair of ladybug pony tail holders. They were made with novelty buttons with a shank. They had a Goody stretch pony tail holder.

 

Crocheted Recycled Christmas CardsSince I can't stand to throw out all my beautiful Christmas cards,I cut shapes from them, then punch holes around the sides, and crochet on them to make beautiful new Christmas Ornaments. I decorated our tree at church last year with them and received raves!!

 

Impossible QuicheIn a buttered pie plate or quiche pan sprinkle a can of salmon, shrimp or tuna and on top of that, sprinkle lots of chopped green onions. On top of onion, sprinkle a cup of grated cheese.

 

Product Review: Ponds Clean Sweep TowelettesProduct: Ponds Clean Sweep Microdermabrasion Wet Cleansing Towelettes. I have had such a time with cleansing my face. I wash my face very carefully twice a day. But no matter what kind of cleanser I use, when I put toner on a cotton ball after washing my face, it comes back dirty.

 

No Mess Doggie Bag!Since I have difficulty finishing a meal at a restaurant, I often take food home in a doggie bag. But doggie bags can get messy. So in order to get my leftovers home in tact, I carry one-gallon freezer bags in the car to secure the doggie bag and to prevent leakage.

 

Ask Butcher To Make Sale Roasts Into Ground BeefEvery few weeks the different grocery markets have London broil and top round roasts on sale. What I do is go to the butcher at the market and tell him/her that I want 10 or 15 or 20 pounds of the roasts made into ground meat.

 

How to Keep Your Potted Mums Looking FreshPerhaps no sight signals the coming of fall to gardeners more than a pot of brightly colored mums. Here are some tips for keeping yours looking their best this fall.

 

Run Water in Unused BathroomI was watching TV and heard an interview with a rep from Ben Franklin Plumbing. She said to run the water in unused bathrooms (toilet, sink and shower) once a month.

 

Using Hang Over the Door Shoe OrganizerHang and over-the-door shoe organizer in your garage or on/near whatever door you exit. In it, stash all the grab-n-go items you may need - umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, etc. Everything will be in one place and ready for the road when you are!

 

Making Cordless Phone Batteries Last Longer?How long should a battery in a cordless phone last? Mine is just 2 years old and says low battery and will not hold a charge for more than 5 minutes. A new battery for this phone is $26.00. How do you take care of a cordless phone to make the batteries last longer? Is there a way to extend this batteries life? Is there such a thing as a generic phone battery? Thanks for reading and I will appreciate any and all advice.

 

Non-Toxic Cleaners That Remove Soap Scum?I have begun cleaning houses. I try to use non toxic items. I have a problem cleaning soap scum off of shower walls and the accompanying glass doors. I don't have a lot of time to spend, as I have a time limit in each home.

 

Drying Fruit in a Slow Cooker?Does anyone have directions for drying fruit in the slow cooker? I've misplaced the directions I had. Thanks.

 

Tickling Sensation Inside Ear?I have had a strange sensation in my left ear for 10 weeks. It is in the outer part of my ear and feels like a hair is in there at times and also a weird sensation. My GP prescribed some drops and said it was quite dry inside my ear. It could be eczema but it doesn't bother me inside my ear.

 

Ideas for Making Your Own Game?I am looking for ideas to make your own game.

 

What Is The Name Of This Flame Plant?This is a beautiful plant but I don't know what it's called. Doesn't it look like a plant of flames?

 

Cleaning a Black and White Couch?I have a black and white couch that really needs cleaning. The white part of the design is beginning to look gray. I have thought about having the cushion covers sent to the dry cleaners, but how in the world do I clean the other components of my couch?

 

Putting a Car Engine into a Buggy?I want to put a car engine into a buggy that I am making into a two seater. I want use a BMW 325i e30 engine with an ISD. Has this been done before or can it be done? I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me?

 

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake Using Devil's Food Cake Mix?Does anyone know how to turn a Devils Food cake mix into sour cream chocolate cake? How much sour cream to add and how do you adjust the other ingredients in the instructions?

 

Ironing Dried Flowers onto Paper?How do you iron dried flowers onto paper or Kleenex with waxed paper and a brown paper bag, making them into stationary. Help, I can't remember if I'm forgetting a step. Thanks in advance.

 

Putting a Dog Outside Into Cold Weather?We live in Illinois and the winters are cold. We have a Chesapeake Bay retriever mix. He is a little over a year old. He has a very nice dog pen outside. We had him fixed and was told by the vet to keep him in a couple of days. I would like to keep him out during the day and bring him in at night. I can't find any real answer to the question: If I bring him in at night is the cold harder on him when we goes out?

 

Repairing a Cigarette Burn Hole in Fabric?While stitching a rather large project, I decided to take a cigarette break without removing my stitching from my lap. Stupid! The fire fell off the cigarette and burned a hole in my fabric. Is there any way to repair this without having to start all over? Did I mention that this is a really large pattern and I was over halfway through? Please help me!

 

Craft Ideas for Juveniles at a Detention Center?I need ideas for craft for juveniles in a detention center. They cannot use needles, glue, or anything that could harm them, but would love to do crafts. I would surely appreciate any ideas. Thank you.

 

Removing Old Pet Stains and Odors?I've been reading the home remedies for pet urine smells and stains. The remedies are great and I'll try them, but I'm not clear on whether or not they will work on old spots or only new spots. I have a mixture of both and need to know if I need to treat them differently. Thanks.

 

Selling Makeup to Groups and Teams?I have recently started to make connections with groups or teams such as cheerleading, that need to buy certain makeup, where the team all needs the same colors. Other than contacting teams, what advice would you have for me to let people know about this venture?

 

Smell of Death Under the House?There is a horrible smell under our house. I cannot see anything but it smells of death what can I do? Its awful.

 

Using Disposable Baking Pans?I have never used disposable loaf baking pans. Could someone please advise me if there is anything I have to consider when using them? Do I use the same oven temp and is the amount of baking time the same? The disposable pans seems so thin compared to regular baking pans. Thank you.

 

Crafts Using a Half Gallon Jar?I have a half gallon jar. Does anyone have any craft ideas I can use it for? Thanks.

 

Buying Presents for Grown Children?I live in a small rural town where pay is low and times are tough right now. I know how much we usually spent on our son for Christmas, but have often thought that we went overboard.

 

Using Lemon Juice to Kill Bugs on Houseplants?Is it OK that I sprayed a mixture of lemon juice and water on a houseplant to kill bugs? Will the plant die?

 

Bad Smell Coming From Pipes?We have this awful smell coming from our pipe area. It is in our laundry room but is not coming from our laundry pipes. We recently had a plumber come out and run a camera through and nothing was found. We are out of ideas to where this might be coming from. We have a sewer line that is brand new. Someone please help!

 

Helping Your Adult Children Buy Real Estate?My husband wishes to get our 4 kids a start with equity. The oldest kid is close to buying a house, though one isn't picked out yet. He's thinking about a duplex to help pay the mortgage. My husband want to help buy 1/2 of it, breaking that 1/2 of it up into the 5 shares that represent the rest of the family. There are so many different situations that I can think of that could complicate this set up.

 

Making a Deep Kitchen Cabinet More Accesible?Is there an easy and inexpensive way to modify a deep-to-the-side corner cabinet that's under my kitchen counter to make it more accessible? The way it is now, I have to get on my hands and knees and shove my items to the closed-in side to the right. So, in order to get to these baking pans, etc. I must unload part of the cabinet in front of me first. Any suggestions?

 

Redbox Promo Codes?Does any one have Redbox promo codes that work besides Mondays. I already used redbox, dvdonme and Breakroom.

 

Gift Ideas for 14 Year Old?What is a good gift for a 14 year old?

 

Switching to a New Pet Food?When changing my cat from Hill's Prescription ID (dry diet) to Van Patten's Natural Balance, should it be gradual, or can I just take the old food away completely? I wondered if there could be a stomach problem?

 

Synonym for Interior Design?What is a synonym for Interior designing?

 

Getting Someone to Move Out?What can I do when a 20 year old will not move out when ask to do so repeatedly? They are disrespectful, mean, bossy the list goes on. They have a wonderful baby and know we want the the child safe and happy and they effectively use this against us and are making our home life awful.

 

Disputing an Early Cancellation Fee for a Cell Phone?What is the best way to dispute an early cancellation fee on a cell phone?

 

Waverly "Garden Room" Salad Plates?I am looking for Waverly Garden Room salad plates. I purchased the dishes from Target about 4 years ago. Help!