February 22, 2011

Stuffed PeppersCut tops from peppers; clean out seeds and membrane as desired. Drop into boiling water and boil for 2-5 minutes. Peppers from store will require 5 minutes, but fresh from garden only 2-3 minutes.

 

Bean and Rice SoupSoak beans in water to cover in bowl overnight. Place in saucepan. Cover with water. Cook for 2 hours or until soft. Add salt pork. Cook until tender. Add macaroni.

 

Sweet and Spicy Asian Wings In a large saute pan set over medium-high heat, place the orange juice, pineapple juice, orange zest, garlic, ginger, green onion, sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and red pepper flakes.

 

Gravy Without Pan DrippingsThe beauty of this recipe is that you can make it a day ahead; heat it back up on simmer in a saucepan and not have to be scrambling to make the gravy from the drippings at the last ditch minute ;-) This can be used for poultry or beef gravy.

 

Easy Butterscotch Surprise PieBeing on a diet, pie really sounds good. So, rather than making a plain butterscotch pie, I decided to dress it up a bit.

 

Quick Chicken Pot PieMix ingredients, put in pie crust, cover with the other, bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Amazing!

 

Gram's Graham Cracker CookiesGreat tasting and so easy! Line a 9x13 inch pan with foil. Place the graham crackers (sides and ends) touching.

 

Pork Chops with ApplesIn non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat, then add pork chops, salt and pepper. After about 5 minutes, turn chops to brown other side. After 5 minutes, add apples and cover.

 

Easy BiscuitsCombine until just mixed. Do not over mix. Drop onto greased baking sheets and bake at 450 degrees F for 8-10 minutes.

 

Cleaning Oven RacksTo clean the racks in your oven, pour 1 cup ammonia into a trash bag, add the racks and seal for 24 hours. Use a nylon scrubbie to remove loose debris. Works great!

 

Braided Rug From Old TowelsWe all know we can recycle bath towels that are worn in spots to become potholders or washcloths. But, another nifty way to recycle them is to make them into braided rugs.

 

Tea Cup PincushionOld tea cup crafted into pincushion.

 

Reusing Plastic Laundry Detergent BottlesTo organize cleaning tools, gardening tools, and small household tools, use an old plastic laundry detergent bottle. With a utility knife, cut off the top even with the bottom of the handle, leaving handle intact. This allows full open access for storage.

 

Spray Garbage Liner With Spray FragranceAn inexpensive way to keep a room smelling fresh is to spray the plastic garbage liner in your waste basket with a room or body spray. The scent will linger for a long time!

 

To Thicken Stews and SoupsTo thicken meat sauces such as Bolognese, try using porridge oats. It's delish! To thicken soups or sauces, try using instant potato flakes - no more lumps and very tasty.

 

Don't Mistake Your Seedlings for...It's a universal experience among gardeners, especially in the spring-yanking out a weed only to find out later it was really a "wanted". Weeds will do whatever it takes to survive, even disguising themselves as other plants.

 

Store Recycled Ziploc Bags In Empty Tissue BoxesIf you re-use zip-lock bags, use empty tissue boxes to store the bags. Fold them neatly so they pop out like tissue.

 

Poole (American Shorthair)Poole is 5 1/2 years young. He followed me into my house. He is a cat, anything that serves his own pleasures will suffice.

 

Wax Paper For Stubborn Paper PunchesLubricate craft punches before using them by punching wax paper first.

 

Wildlife: Water BirdsThe coolest critters are found near water, be it ocean, lake or pond. These guys seemed to enjoy having their pictures taken as much as I enjoyed taking them.

 

Use Electricity at Cheapest TimesMy local electric company just sent out a brochure with the savings I can make from using my electrical appliances in the evening. I save almost 50% by doing baking for the week, washing clothes, etc by planning to do those things after 9 pm.

 

Use Hard Candies As Packing MaterialThis tip is prompted by a package I received today from my daughter. What a clever means of packing she has come up with. This won't work for all your packages, but if it is going to somebody special, this will make it extra special.

 

Vegetable Broth From Peels And ScrapsAnytime I chop veggies for a meal, soup or stew, I save all of the end pieces and skins - pretty much anything that is left over. I wash them, dry them, and freeze them in a ziploc baggie for making stock for soups and sauces.

 

Scenery: Front Yard FlagsSeveral years ago, my husband decided to cut down a large leaning tree in our front yard and put up the flagpole he'd been wanting for quite some time. We replace the American Flag every year on (or around) July 4th, and replace the USMC around January 1st.

 

My Frugal Life: Focus On What's Important (Part 2)I have found that listening and learning from others has been one of the best ways of saving money and living within my income. Asking questions, often saves hundreds of dollars that you think is going to be a long term investment.

 

Feeding Birds in SnowThis is a seasonal tip that I used last week, and hope that it will be a while before I use it again. But when there is heavy snow falling for hours, the feed that I put out for the birds (and the squirrels) disappears under the snow.

 

Check Humane Society Site for Spay/Neuter DiscountsI had two kittens that needed to be fixed, but after getting all the kitten shots I was very low on money. I checked my local Humane Society website and found out that Oregon has a Spay and Neuter Fund.

 

Plato (Boxer/Shar Pei/Pekingese Mix)Plato was 1 year old on Valentine's Day! He is a Boxer, Shar pei, Pekingese mix. We had a DNA done on him! My husband and I adopted Plato June 2010 at Petsmart in CT.

 

Scenery: Snow SceneThis is picture of our back deck and back yard. I used the picture of the pine tree on my Christmas card 2010. I love the snow when I am on the inside, looking out or in a picture!

 

In Memory of Zoe (Golden Retriever)We got Zoe when, on the way home from Six Flags, my dad (who was driving), took a wrong turn and spotted a "Golden Retriever puppies for sale!" sign. She was the last one for sale, but made an instant connection with my brothers and I.

 

Use Pin Heads To Paint DotsIn many painting and craft projects, one finds themselves needing to make dots. I have used this idea for years and it hasn't failed me once! It's easy and inexpensive. No high tech tool needed.

 

Rocky (Chihuahua)Rocky, my 5 year old Chihuahua, was a Christmas present in 2005. He likes to play fetch with his ball. Most people think he's mean because he barks at them, but he's a real sweetheart and loves to be nuzzled on his neck!

 

Add Peanut Butter When Melting ChocolateUse creamy peanut butter instead of shortening when melting any flavor of chocolate in a recipe. You cannot taste the peanut butter, but it does enhance the flavor of the chocolate.

 

Preparing a Varnished Piece of Furniture for Painting?I have an old shoe cupboard which is stained and varnished, but could do with a new lease of life. I was thinking of changing it to a cream "distressed" look, slightly shabby chic? How easy is this to do? Any tips appreciated.

 

Donating Books to Charity?We have about 200 good books (mostly "pg" love stories) that we wish to give to a charity. Any ideas?

 

Removing Shells From Hard Boiled Eggs?How do I peel a hard boiled egg without it sticking to the egg white, and taking it off with it? I have never been able to do this without ruining the eggs. Also, these are fresh eggs, not store bought, does that make a difference?

 

What Breed is My Dog?His name is Toto. I bought him from a person who couldn't keep him when he was only a month old. He's three months old how. Can someone tell me what breed he may be?

 

Paying a Large Dental Bill?I have a huge dental bill. How can I find money or a way to work this out? I love my dentist and he has been working with me. I have applied for disability with hopes to receive that by November, but he can't work on my teeth until I pay more on my balance.

 

Making Curtains from a Duvet Cover?I love the tips on making curtains from bed sheets, etc., but I have a beautiful, unused king size duvet cover which I would like to use to make curtains/drapes for my bedroom window. The colour is perfect and matches my lamp shade. Any ideas anyone? Thanks.

 

Earning Money Online?I saw the "Auctions for Income" infomercial the other night. It looked interesting, but I am always skeptical about infomercials. I did a quick search via Google and the majority of the sites that popped up on the first page of results basically yelled "SCAM!" in just as many words.

 

Will a Systemic Weedkiller Harm Other Garden Plants?I am using a systemic weed killer to kill briars; will this also kill plants such as day lilies, flowers, etc.?

 

Reusing Water Vapor Condensate from Cooking?Kindly let me know how can I reuse the water vapor condensate when cooking, when boiling water.

 

Removing Dried Wax From Couch?How do I remove dried on candle wax from a couch that is washable with soap and water?

 

Dog Pooping in My Bed?I have 3 dogs. Two I've had for four years, and one I've had for 11 years. My neutered dog has never relieved himself in the house in the 4 years I've had him. Friday when I came home from work and he had peed on my bed.