February 16, 2009

Black Bean and Steak SoupBrown steak in skillet sprayed with nonstick spray if not using leftovers. Remove steak from pan. Respray pan with with non stick and add onions, garlic, all bell peppers and chili and "dry" saute until onion is translucent (about 5 minutes).

 

Skillet Pan PizzaThis pizza recipe is great! Kids love it and a lot of the spices you should already have so it is economical. I have found however that you really do not need the amount of pepperoni they say you need in recipes but, if you love pepperoni, you just might want to add the amounts called for!

 

Mr. Spugsley (Cairn Terrier/Chihuahua Mix)Mr. Spugsley is a 2 year old Cairn Terrier/Chihuahua mix. We brought him home on New Year's Day of 2007. I found him on craigslist.

 

"No Peel" Hard Boiled EggsI don't know if anybody has tried this already or sent this in. But here's a way to peel your "hard-boiled" eggs all at once. I don't think it works for "soft-boiled". I didn't want to try that, could be very messy.

 

Using Masking Tape to Label ScrewsWhen taking apart something that has a variety of screws, I use masking tape. Label the tape with what part the screws go to, then stick the screw right to the tape. No more lost screws or trying to figure out what screw goes where!

 

Buy Name Brand Flea and Tick Remedy in BulkI've got several dogs and cats at home, and we live near fields with tall weeds. Therefore, summer time is a flea nightmare! I've bought the "cheaper" flea/tick remedies from the pet store, but they didn't work too well.

 

Switching to Stainless Steel Pot and PansI switched to all stainless steel pots and pans a few years back when the news came out about the fumes from scratched non stick pans was potentially caustic. It took some getting used to cooking wise.

 

Utilities: What's Mine and What's Theirs?At the moment when the phone line to your home stops working, you don't expect a large bill for repairs. After all, isn't the phone company's responsibility? My company offers a repair plan with a monthly fee; is it worth it?

 

Make Your Own Recipe Box With Recycled CardboardMy recipe file was too full! I like to collect good recipes. I could not find a larger recipe box so I made a larger box with a big popcorn box.

 

Install a Fire Alarm in the LoftMy mum got my brother up in the loft today to install a fire alarm up there. Until I spoke to her on the phone today I never even thought to do that.

 

Pop Tab Belt?Does anyone have a pattern for velvet ribbon and pop can tab belts? Thank you.

 

Emailed Pictures Not Working?Why do I not get pictures in most of my e-mails? I get small squares in the left hand corner of the boxes, they are red. Please help if possible. Thank you.

 

Painting a Metal Bench?I am painting a metal bench with oil-based paint and the paint is bubbling. Any suggestions on why this is happening and what I should do?

 

Plunger Marks in Toilet?How can I remove black rubber marks left from using an old plunger in my toilet bowl. I've tried Comet, Goof-Off, Bar Keepers Friend, etc. with no luck. Thanks for any help.

 

Piriformis Muscle Syndrome?Has anyone been diagnosed with Piriformis Muscle Syndrome? If so what do you do for this? How long have you had it? Does it ever go away?

 

Patterns for Easy Crocheted Baby Items?I am looking for easy crocheted hats and baby blankets patterns.

 

Indentation on a Patent Leather Shoe?I have a pair of red patent leather shoes that have been sitting in my closet. Apparently something was sitting on top of them because now there's an indention on the top of one of them. Is there any way to get this out? It's very small but noticeable to me.

 

Moist Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Recipe?I have been looking for a good, moist Lemon Poppyseed muffin or bread recipe. I would prefer to make it from scratch if possible. Does anyone out there have a good recipe? Thanks in advance.

 

Removing Wax Finish from Hardwood Floors?We have a wood floor with a very thin and very worn polyurethane finish, but we inadvertently cleaned the floor with a product that is a "light wax". Can anyone recommend a product or technique that will help us to remove the thin layer of wax that is on the floor?

 

Used Cat Litter?What can I do with used cat litter?

 

Crafts Using Styrofoam Peanuts?I am looking for Styrofoam peanut crafts and recycle crafts about and making horses.

 

Freezing Pistachio Nuts?Can you freeze pistachio nuts?

 

Pillow Dye Transferred onto Sofa?I have a tan microfiber couch and recently purchased two red microfiber throw pillows for it. My boyfriend was sick for three days and slept on the couch on one of the red pillows, and now I have a pink/red stain from where the pillow had been.

 

Making Towels Soft?How do you get towels soft? I live in the country and have a water softener. I have tried everything, vinegar, baking soda, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. Am I using to much or to little of something? They still come out scratchy.

 

Garden Soxx?Where can I purchase something called Garden Soxx? Has anyone tried these?

 

Washing Machine Not Rinsing Soap Out of Clothes?I am have a problem with loads of washing not rinsing properly. I never overfill the machine, always use half or less than half the amount of detergent on the box/bottle, clean my machine at least once every 2 months (with either ammonia or soda and vinegar).

 

Toilet Isn't Flushing Well?My toilet is bubbling and doesn't flush real well. Can someone tell me what might be wrong?

 

Freezing Cream Cheese?Can you freeze cream cheese?

 

Holding a 2-Piece Sofa Together?I have a chaise and sofa that are not connected. They keep slipping apart. How can I keep them from separating without permanently attaching them together?

 

Not Getting Enough Hot Water?I have two 50 gal. water heaters tied together, and I still run out of hot water. What can I do too increase recovery time? Will a bypass help?

 

Easter Gift Ideas for Teenager?Does anyone have some cute gift ideas for my teen friend for easter?

 

Creating a Budget for Buying a House?I need to put the money I'm paying for rent into buying a house. Surely if I can afford $750.00 rent, I can pay for a house. However, I need to get a budget plan with contingencies. I currently pay rent $750, car insurance $60, utilities $400, and groceries/gas/misc. approx. $100. My weekly income is $380.

 

Sewing Fleece on a Sewing Machine?I have been trying to make fleece scarves and blankets and have had to sew them by hand. My sewing machine will not stitch over the fabric. Any hints would be appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

Problems With Printable Coupons?I remain confused. What good are coupons downloaded from the internet if the grocery stores won't accept them? All of the grocery stores around here that accept manufacturer's coupons from the Sunday paper have signs that say "We do not accept internet coupons".

 

Butter Stains on Leather Shoes?I got a pair of Sperry top-sider leather boat shoes, tan/camel color, for Christmas. They are more than a boat shoe to me and they feel like heaven. I went to a buffet last night and now I noticed 2 butter stains right on the front of them! They are suppose to be water and stain resistant.