June 15, 2010

Easy Strawberry CookiesGot this one from my Grandma. She lived out of a farm far from town and needed to bake cookies for a get together and came up with this.

 

Creamy Mashed Potato BakePreheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine mashed potatoes, sour cream, milk and garlic powder in large bowl; mix well. Spoon half of mixture into greased 2 qt. baking dish.

 

Turkey LegsPull back the skin and add spices. Replace the skin. Add about a cup or so white grape juice. Place in pan and cover with lid or foil. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 1 and 1/2 hours.

 

Chicken ChiliCut chicken in bite-size pieces. Brown chicken in a saucepan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Add remaining ingredients.

 

Raspberry Cream PieLight and tasty. Beat the cream and almond extract until stiff peaks form in a large bowl. Bring the sugar, gelatin, and water to a simmer over medium heat in a saucepan and stir until the sugar and gelatin dissolve.

 

Dump BarsJust as the title says it is a dump recipe that you can vary the ingredients in and it is done in 45 minutes with little mess.

 

Chicken LimoneI like to serve this dish on a bed of basmati rice that has been cooked in chicken broth and place a couple of room temperature marinated artichoke halves from a jar of my favorite brand, Cara Mia, as a side garnish for each plate.

 

Refrigerator RollsCombine hot water, salt, shortening and sugar. Cool to lukewarm, then add yeast softened in lukewarm water. Add the egg, half the flour and beat well. Stir in more of the flour, enough to make a dough that is easily handled.

 

Split Pea SoupReally good pea soup!

 

Heavenly Fruit SaladCombine egg yolks, sugar, vinegar, pineapple juice, butter and salt. Cook over hot but not boiling water until mixture thickens stirring constantly.

 

Island Sweet Potato SlawIn a large bowl, add the sweet potato, pineapple, celery, onions, and cucumber. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pineapple nectar or juice, ginger, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, salt, and pepper.

 

Chicken And Wild RiceMix soups together. Add water, milk, butter, mushrooms and rice. Add only 1 Tbsp. of seasoning that comes with rice. Pour mixture into 9x13 inch pan.

 

Frugal, Fun Kids GroupsOnce upon a time a parent could walk a child to a sports field and sign him up for a season of baseball without costing a penny. Like the days of $0.50 hot dogs at ballparks, it's no more. Youth sports programs today can cost parents $100 per child.

 

My Frugal Life: Possessions Can Be ReplacedI have been reading 'My Frugal Life' for some time now, and thought it was appropriate timing to submit mine. I have been fairly frugal all my life. My mum tells me when I earned money as a child cashing 'bottles', I would have my money box with me to put the cash in.

 

Garden: PeonyI always get excited about my first peony bloom of the season. I think they are one of the most beautiful flowers. I wish they lasted longer!

 

Decorate a Picture Frame With Wrapping PaperTransform an inexpensive picture frame into a beautiful handmade frame for a personal gift that is sure to please everyone.

 

Removing Ink Stains From LeatherA client of mine accidentally made a long ink pen line on the leather in my Cadillac. I tried all of the suggested removal methods and they did not remove the ink. Finally, I decided to call Dr. Vinyl in Naples, FL to have the area redyed.

 

Garden: IrisI love flowers, especially perennials. More every year is fantastic. More to view, more to share, and more varieties always being developed. I just wish people would share more than they do.

 

Calhoun (English Bulldog - Boston Terrier)Calhoun is a 1/2 English Bulldog and 1/2 Boston Terrier. He loves to play around. He can be caught playing peek-a-boo, hanging with his stuffed toys and hiding behind the furniture pillows.

 

Edging and Trimming Your LawnTo save time and money trimming and edging the grass along your sidewalks and driveway, simply drop one side of the the wheels on your walk behind lawnmower mower all the way down until that side barely touches the solid surface of your sidewalk/driveway.

 

Mark Dosage on BottleI got tired of squinting at the tiny dosage directions printed on many pain reliever bottles when needing something. When a new bottle/brand is bought, I take my black, permanent marker and write the dosage in bigger print on the bottle.

 

Take Tupperware for Leftovers When Dining OutIt is common knowledge that styrofoam equals sustainability's nemesis. When I am forced to take home an entirely too large take-home box after a meal out, I cringe. To solve this, I take a tough, non leaking, Tupperware with me when I eat out now.

 

In Memory of Sammi (Yorkie)Sammi was 13 in this pic. She's a Yorkie I got in Maryland from a breeder in '98. Sammi is no longer with us, she passed a couple of months ago. She was a very sweet little girl and she used to love to lay in the sun and run in the grass. A great soul who will be missed.

 

Scenery: Pacific Beach (WA)I took this photo at Pacific Beach in Washington. It just caught my eye and I thought it turned out pretty well. I do a lot of photography and especially love to take pictures of nature, flowers and animals.

 

Use Refrigerator as Dry Erase BoardWhiteboards are awesome items to have around the house. Uses range from chore lists to honey-do lists and reminders. If you don't own one already, I bet you already have one that you weren't aware of - your refrigerator!

 

Other Uses for Kitty LitterIf you have a stinky pair of gym shoes you would like to deodorize, try cat litter. Put some fresh litter into a couple of old socks (about a half cup in each), tie the tops, and tuck them inside the offending shoes.

 

Hanging Bottle DecorationFinding pop in round bottles last week sat my heart to racing to realize that a little colored water in each hung from beaded twine would do wonders for my yard which is mostly "basic green."

 

Tiger (Maine Coon Mix)Our little cat, Tiger, is about 5 months of age. We hand fed it since it was an orphan, one of 12 kittens. They learned to climb on my husband's chest and nuzzle his beard. They use their hands to ask to be held.

 

Use Everyday Items For CraftsInstead of going out to Jo-Ann Fabric's to buy things for children's crafts, use some everyday items like aluminum foil and tissue paper.

 

Standard Can Size MeasurementsPicnic = 10-1/2 to 12 oz. = 1-1/4 cups, 12 oz. vacuum = 12 oz. = 1-1/2 cups, #1 can = 11 oz. = 1-1/3 cup

 

Waterless Car Wash"Wash" your car during a water shortage by wiping it down with a soft cloth (microfiber works well), while there is dew on it in the morning. A lot of grime comes off with the moisture.

 

Link: StillTasty.comEver wonder how long your favorite food or beverage will stay safe and tasty or the best way to store it? Get the answers for thousands of items!

 

Find Inexpensive Ways to Follow Fashion TrendsI realize that I have gotten into the habit of looking at fashion trends in magazines, then figuring out an inexpensive way to follow the fashion.

 

Give Ice Cubes as Dog TreatsInstead of buying pricey, high-calorie dog treats, we give our dogs ice cubes as treats. They love them! The ice cubes are free, zero calories, and help keep the dogs hydrated. They come running every time they hear ice falling into a glass.

 

Carnation Breakfast Bars?Does anybody know where how I can find out how to write something to the Carnation Instant Breakfast people about a cereal bar that came out in the 80s?

 

Advice for Properly Busing Tables?I would like to know how to properly bus tables?

 

Repairing Faded Spots on Fabric?I have a 65% rayon and 35% cotton blend dress that had a stain so I soaked it in cold water with a diluted mild detergent. The stain came out thankfully, but now there are a few faded spots. Is there a chemical or solution I can soak it in to even it out?

 

Removing Fabric Glue from Clothing?How do I remove fabric glue from clothing?

 

Dishes Smell Bad After I Wash Them?After I run my dishes in the dishwasher, they have a strange odor to them. I have tried several detergents and had my water tested.

 

Removing Ink from Textbooks?I'm a teacher who is trying to clean up textbooks from this past year. Anyone know how to get ballpoint ink and Sharpie ink off textbook pages without erasing all the other print?

 

Transplanting Phlox?When can I transplant creeping phlox? They are really thick.

 

Natural Homemade Ant Pest Control?Is there an ant control that I can mix myself?

 

How Do I File a Complaint with the Post Office?How do I file a "complaint of negligence" with the US post office for a priority mail box that I mailed on May 5, 2010, to Boulder, CO? It has never been received or returned. I did file a lost package claim form, but have heard nothing.

 

Snake Repellents?What kind of acid or chemicals can be used to avoid snakes?

 

Bring Back Thunder Blast Cleaner?Where can I find Thunder Blast? I have used other cleaners, but nothing works like Thunder Blast to remove grease from everything.

 

Using Awesome to Clean the Carpet?How much Awesome cleaner should I use to clean carpets?

 

What is This Tree?I got the seed for this tree from the Chula Vista Marina Park about 18 years ago; please let me know the name of this tree. It looks nice from afar with its white flowers at this time, but don't touch its branches, it makes you feel so itchy!

 

Homemade Spot Remover?I am looking for a recipe to spot-clean my cotton t-shirts, white blouses, cotton pants, as well as my school-teacher garments. I am spending too much money on spot-removal products at the supermarket. Does anyone have a cleaning solution for me?

 

Cake Decoration Pattern for Baby Trainers?Can you help me with a pattern for little trainers for my grandson's christening cake? I want to use them as a topper.

 

Thank You Speech for Mother's 80 Birthday?I want to make a thank you speech for my mom's 80th birthday. Can you give me sample of wordings I could use?

 

The Bottom of My Tomatoes are Turning Brown?My tomatoes are turning brown on the bottom.

 

Repelling Mosquitoes?Can anyone tell me if mosquitoes hate the smell of lemons?

 

Protecting Raspberries from Birds?I planted my first raspberry bush and would like something inexpensive to prevent birds, etc. from eating the berries. I bought some netting at a nursery, but it is expensive.

 

Nail Fungus Remedies?What is a good home remedy for toe nail fungus?

 

Wedge Sandals Squeak?I read all of the responses about fixing a squeaky shoe, but none seem to apply to me. Mine are 3 inch wedge sandals that squeak. There is no lining to remove. Any ideas?

 

Chipotle Dip Recipe?I am looking for a recipe for a chipotle dip that I have had in a restaurant. It is served with sweet potato (yam) fries and is delicious! Can anyone help me?

 

Freezing Squash?How do you freeze squash so that it can be battered and fried later?

 

Getting Rid of Poisonous Snakes Near Creek?How do you reduce the amount of snakes from around a creek? We recently bought some property and there are a large number of poisonous snakes on the creek. I have a ten year old to deal with.

 

Natural Remedies for Water Retention?Does anyone have any tips on how to prevent water retention during the summer months? My feet and hands are puffy and feel tight. Any home remedies that you can share would be most appreciated.

 

Using Self Stick Vinyl Floor Tiles on a Shower Wall?Can you use self stick vinyl floor tiles on a shower wall?

 

Flywheel Only Turns With Spark Plugs Out?I have a Sears riding mower with a 12hp Briggs and Stratton engine. It was working fine. Now when the starter engages the flywheel it spins 3/4 and stops. The drive belt is off and the blades are off, so there is no bind. I take out the spark plug and it spins normally.

 

George Foreman Grill Accessories?Where can I get a replacement plastic spatula that goes with the George Foreman grill?

 

Underarm Smell on T-shirts?I have a very embarrassing problem with my t-shirts. They start to smell under the arms even when they are freshly washed. I am using deodorant (tried lots of different brands) and shower everyday, so it cannot be me.

 

Roof Repair Advice?I need to replace my whole roof, down to the rafters. I need the cheapest way to do this since we are living week to week. My roof has 4 layers (I'm told) of shingles and it is the original slat board roofing ...

 

Removing Ink Pen Lines From Brown Leather Sofa?I want to get pen marks off my brown leather couch. What do I do?

 

50th Wedding Anniversary Party Ideas?My parents will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I'm an only child and my mom's large family is expecting a party. I'm looking for ideas that won't break the bank (since I have no one to share expenses with) and satisfy everyone. Please help!

 

Using Epsom Salts to Green Up Lawn?How do I use Epsom salt to green up my lawn?

 

Repelling Neighborhood Cats?How do I keep cats from using our property as a kitty litter box?

 

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears?My Lavender keeps shaking her head, as though she has something inside her ears. How safely can I clean her ears, and with what?We thank you!

 

Mold on a Shower Curtain?I need ideas as to how I could successfully remove the black mold that collects at the bottom of a plastic shower curtain. Thanks.

 

Supporting Snapdragon Plants?How do I support the 3'-4' tall snapdragon plants my garden? They need something soon. They out grew their metal hangers.

 

Lawn Mower Carburetor Leaks Gas?My 17 hp Briggs and Stratton lawn tractor floods upon initial startup. The gas will gush from the top of the carburetor. I have to blow out with shop air to get started. Once you get it going, it will run good rest of day.

 

Cleaning a Chef's Pizzelle Iron?I have a Chef's electric Pizzelle iron and I have a lot of grease on the outside of it. I would love to remove the grease, but I don't know what to use without scratching the metal casing. Any ideas?

 

What Breed is My Dog?What breed is my dog?

 

Finding Cheap Airline Tickets on the Web?I see where you can fly for $49 to Jacksonville, Florida each way. I try to check it out and can't bring anything up. What's the trick?

 

Removing Cow Manure Stain on Clothing?I went walking and got cow poo on my trousers. Any suggestions for removal of stain would be welcome.

 

Safe Flea Treatment for Cat with Kittens?My cat just had her first litter of kittens on June 6, 2010. I knew she had fleas before she delivered, but was told that I couldn't treat her with anything topical while she was pregnant and nothing while she is nursing as well.

 

Covering a Bathroom Window?We are remodeling a bathroom that is in a house built in 1954. It is a very small bathroom with no shower. We are installing a shower and keeping the tub and putting up the bath surround kit.

 

Oil and Grease Stain Remover?Is there a good homemade formula for removing chocolate or grease stains from cotton clothing?

 

Growing a Trumpet Vine?During the summer, what is the best way to trim spent flowers on my trumpet vine in order to encourage more blooming throughout the season? I've only had one round of blooms for the past 4 summers, and suspect it is the way we are trimming.