July 1, 2010

Potato SaladThis recipe was passed down to us from our grandmother. Somebody in the family usually makes it for every family gathering in the summer. We usually all taste and adjust the seasonings after we're together to make sure the flavor is just right.

 

Homemade Baking PowderThis is so handy and easy to make if you are needing baking powder and find that you don't have any.

 

Fried Chicken Baked in Dill Pickle JuiceI never knew what to do about all that tasty dill pickle juice after the pickles were gone. I did some searching on the internet and found this. People thought I was nuts, until they tried it. I get frequent requests for this dish now.

 

Fruit SoupMy husband remembers this fondly from his childhood summers. He says he and his sister would nag his mother to make this for them. When she would finally make it, it never lasted longer than a day. Then they would start nagging her to make it all over again.

 

Steak ToppingHappy Summer- fire up the BBQ.

 

Greens and Beans SaladIn screw-top jar, combine oil, vinegar, salt, sugar, celery seed and paprika. Cover and shake to mix well. Marinate green beans in oil mixture in refrigerator at least 2 hours.

 

Low-Calorie ChiliCombine ingredients in large pan. Simmer uncovered 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

Ice Box DessertSpread 1/2 of crumbs in cake pan. Cream butter and sugar; add eggs. Spread this mixture on crumbs. Add whipped cream with pineapple. Freeze.

 

Use Bill Tray for PillsI have been staying with my mom following surgery which impacted her eyesight. I noticed she was emptying her medications from the container onto a napkin prior to taking them. Most pills are white, most napkins are white.

 

Storing and Using SpicesAlways store spices in a cool, dry, dark place. The rule of thumb for how long spices stay fresh is: 3 to 4 years for whole spices and seeds, 2 to 3 years for ground spices, 1 to 3 years for leafy herbs, and 1 to 2 years for seasoning blends.

 

Paper Plate BasketHere is a simple little basket you can put together in minutes. It's a great way to use up extra decorative paper plates.

 

Making Stepping StonesNo need to buy a 'stepping stone form' to create your garden stones; just dig a hole 4 inches deep in the desired shape wherever you want the stone and fill with quick mix concrete. Be careful not to breathe in any concrete dust!

 

Display Scarves Using Bangle BraceletsTo organize or display scarves, loop them through colorful, plastic bangle bracelets that are not being worn and then hang them on a hook or coat tree.

 

Tape Manual to Back of ApplianceWhen you receive a new appliance, write the 800 number on the manual as well as the model number and then take a picture of the front of the manual for your records. Then take the manual itself, slip it into a ziploc bag, and tape it to the back of the appliance.

 

Use Microwave Timer for AccuracyWhen I make jams or jellies using the Sure-Jell method, my recipe calls to bring it to rolling boil that cannot be stirred down for exactly one minute. Instead of trying to guess or use a kitchen timer, I just use my microwave timer.

 

Garden: Eavesdropping BirdOut in the garden, there are good and bad guys constantly plotting and planning on how to rid the garden of vermin. The birds occasionally drop by to listen in and see if they can help.

 

My Frugal Life: My Garden Costs Almost NothingI have spent very little on my gardening, taking advantage of our local craigslist and freecycle. I have been given plants, seeds, pots, trellises, netting, mulch, hanging planters, tomato stakes and cages, and yes, even a gazebo!

 

Removing Seafood Odors from Your HandsAfter eating blue crabs, our hands always smell bad even after several washings. We use cider vinegar on the claw meat, so when we are finished eating, we pour what is left from the little bowl over our hands and rub it like we are washing up.

 

Absorb Extra Heat With a Tea KettleAfter you drain whatever it is you've been boiling, fill the now empty pot with cold water. Place it back on the burner that was used.

 

Feed Family for a WeekWhen funds are low, I will buy a turkey or a couple of whole chickens. All I need are some veggies. I cook the chicken the first night and then take all of the meat I can off the bones and put in the fridge.

 

Get Rid of Extra Stuff in HomeOne thing I noticed in a movie based in Iceland that I just saw, is that there was a noticeable lack of extra STUFF in their homes and other places. We as Americans have so much extra stuff, but I am trying to use that vision of a stripped-down environment to inspire me.

 

Wildlife: Deer (Yosemite)This beautiful deer was standing near a meadow in the Yosimite Park.

 

Scenery: Benson, MNThe local chamber called me in April and said they had an emergency photo op for me to take on. I am a shutter bug type, and so I quickly gathered up my ideas and headed out.

 

Cereal Bags for Kitchen ChoresSince I eat cereal for breakfast, I have the wax paper bags left over when the box is empty. This wax paper is just as good as the paper you buy in the roll. I pull the seams of the empty bag apart, smooth the paper, and fold it. When I need wax paper I cut to size.

 

Sadie (Chihuahua/Papillon Mix)Sadie is a Chihuahua/Papillon mix. She is two years old, 4 lbs. We absolutely love and spoil her as she the only girl in the family, besides me - mom.

 

Summer Cars Can Be Dangerous To Your PetThere are many things to consider before deciding to take your beloved pets in the car with you, whether you are running errands around town or traveling.

 

Download Kroger Coupons to CardI just discovered something new on the Kroger website. You can download coupons to your Kroger card. No more printing and trying to keep up with coupons. You'll get credit when your card is scanned at the register.

 

Use Old Kitchen Towels for CleaningFor general cleaning, I use worn out kitchen towels. They are great for dusting, getting into corners, and behind the faucets in kitchen and bathroom. They can be washed and reused several times.

 

Dirt Trail (MN)This is a long dirt trail headed under a railroad bridge. Trail is between Duluth and Proctor. Perfect time of day for this shot. I'm glad the way this one turned out. This is why I take my camera every time I leave the house!

 

Maddie (English Springer Spaniel)Maddie is an 8 year old English Springer Spaniel. I got Maddie when she was 12 weeks old from a rescue. Her previous owners couldn't manage her.

 

Save On Watering By Collecting Rain WaterPlace a bucket under the window a/c to catch the water or insert a long hose that reaches your plants. I also keep a big tub ready for downpours to catch the rain water, which I use for plants or to wash my car. My grandmother used to wash our hair with rain water.

 

Roach Control IdeasNo need for expensive, smelly, and toxic cockroach killers that leave a residue. Spray cockroaches with any ammonia-based cleaner (e.g. Spray 'n Wipe). Ammonia is deadly to living things. And you clean your bench/floor at the same time! The ammonia smell dissipates quickly.

 

Use Your Bicycle For EverythingIf you're tired of high gas prices and taking your car to the shop every time it breaks down Or you are tired of high insurance prices. Or if you are concerned about the Gulf Oil Spill and global warming. My solution is get a bicycle.

 

"Secret Place" Beach BottleWith a deep sea theme at Bible school this year, it seemed appropriate to do a beach scene which reminds kids that we all need a place to meditate and pray in order to recharge our batteries from time to time.

 

Wimsey (Chinese Crested Powderpuff)Wimsey is 4 years old and a Chinese Crested Powderpuff. I got her from a breeder a year ago. She is just starting to learn to play with toys. She's very shy. She always sleeps with her head hanging out of her bed.

 

Tracking Down a Continuous Beeping Sound in House?I hear a beeping sound in my home. This has been going on for the past 7-10 days. I first thought of the smoke detectors, so I reached the ceiling and unplugged the smoke detectors from the wall and removed the batteries from them, but no luck.

 

Raising Schnauzers?I would like to hear from your readers about their Schnauzers. I have recently adopted a Schnauzer mix and he is so amazing. Do all of them talk and are they all so amazingly full of life and personality?

 

Outdoor Wedding and Reception Venue in Louisville Kentucky?I am looking for a place in or around Louisville Kentucky to have a small, memorable wedding and reception. Outdoors would be nice.

 

Dog Won't Potty Outside After Grass Was Removed?I have a 3 year old Poodle that was completely potty trained. I have a dog door. I had the grass taken out of my back yard and gravel and rocks put in and I have flower beds. She does go out but pees on my carpet.

 

Snake in the Underside of Car?How can I get rid of a snake inside my car (well underneath). He went into a hole and has been there a week that I know of. It comes out half way but goes right back inside. It is brown and yellow with no markings, but it has a flat head.

 

Removing Newsprint from Varnished Surface?How do you remove newsprint from a varnished window sill?

 

My Dog Is Overweight?Can you please help me? My little Chihuahua is over weight and she only eats chicken and liver. She is 15 months old.

 

How Do I Clean Salsa Off a Matte Finish Photo?How do I safely remove salsa from a professional photograph with a matte finish?

 

Microwave Replacement Parts?I am not sure if anyone can help, however it is worth trying. I am looking for the touch pad of a control panel for an old Amana microwave range, model RS 571 B. Does anyone know where I might find one? Thanks.

 

Setting Up an Above Ground Pool?We have an 18' above ground pool. This is all new to us. We have it up and filled and have been in it, but don't have the pump and filter going. I need detailed instructions for where to put the chlorine tabs and how many.

 

Using Grape Compost for Gardening?I have access to lots of leftovers from grapes in wine making. It has been aged and other things have been added (like mushroom compost) but it is very light and no worms are present. Do I need to add top soil or potting soil to it before planting ornamentals?

 

Icemaker Doesn't Work on Samsung Three Door Refrigerator?I have a 2008 Samsung refrigerator that is a 3 door with the freezer in the bottom. As soon as the warranty was over the ice maker broke. It is the kind that twists as it dumps the ice. It would make ice, but the cubes were stuck together.

 

Planting Roses in Raised Beds?Is it OK to plant roses in raised beds?

 

Freezing an Eggless Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake?Does anybody know if an eggless chocolate mayonnaise cake will freeze? It's very hot in my country at the moment and since I don't have air conditioning, turning on my oven makes my kitchen into a furnace!

 

Crape Myrtles Not Getting Enough Sun?My crape myrtles will not bloom. I realize that trees now have over grown them. What are my options?

 

Looking for Help Working Math Formula Problems?I need help with math, specifically how to do a problem using formulas.

 

Cigarette Smoke Odors in Computer?How do you get cigarette smoke odors out of a computer tower?

 

Reserving an RV Spot for a Travel Trailer?When booking an RV spot to use with a travel trailer, do we reserve a spot that is big enough for both the truck and trailer, or just the trailer length?