August 9, 2011

Baby Back Ribs RecipesRibs are a staple of summer, whether cooked on the grill or in the oven. This page contains recipes for baby back ribs.

 

Homemade Shampoo RecipesThis page contains recipes for homemade shampoo. Making your own shampoo not only can save money, but allows you to control the ingredients and fragrances or lack there of.

 

Organizing Camping SuppliesThis is a page about organizing camping supplies. When you go camping, you need to bring all sorts of supplies that you take for granted when you are at home; like equipment for cooking and cleaning, first aid, sleeping and more.

 

How to Attract ButterfliesButterflies are welcome visitors to the garden. There are various ways to attract these delicate beauties. This page is about how to attract butterflies.

 

Organizing Sewing SuppliesThis is a page about organizing sewing supplies. Keeping all of your sewing supplies well organized makes working on each project easier.

 

Keeping Rabbits Out of Your GardenThis is a page about keeping rabbits out of your garden. Although cute, rabbits can be a real pest in the garden. They can quickly devour all of the plants you are growing.

 

Organizing BatteriesThis is a page about organizing batteries. With all of the different sizes of batteries, they can make for a jumbled mess. Getting them organized will make it easier to find the right one when the remote or flashlight stops working.

 

Canning MangoesThis is a page about canning mangoes. Mangoes are not always available year round. Canning them allows you to enjoy this tasty fruit even when it's out of season.

 

Cleaning Bath ToysThis is a page about cleaning bath toys. Cleaning bath toys is important, so that they are sanitary for your kids. Over time they will build up soap scum, bacteria, and mold.

 

Saving Money on Sports Equipment for SchoolThis is a page about saving money on sports equipment for school. If your child plays sports at school, there are a lot of expenses for equipment. Finding ways to save on this equipment is important especially if they play more than one sport or you have more than one child.

 

Preventing DandruffThis is a page about preventing dandruff. Nobody likes to have to deal with an itchy scalp or the flakes from dandruff. As with most things, prevention is the best way to deal with dandruff.

 

Homemade Lip Balm RecipesThis page contains recipes for lip balm.Lip balm can protect your lips from the sun and keep them from getting chapped. If you use lip balm often, you can save money by making your own.

 

Cleaning Picture FramesThis is a page about cleaning picture frames. Picture frames are perfect dust catchers. Keeping them clean will allow you to show off your favorite pictures.

 

Removing Red Wine Stains from CarpetThis is a page about removing red wine stains from carpet. If you drink red wine then you know that spills are going to eventually happen and they are very difficult to clean up. Red wine stains are one of the hardest stains to remove from any fabric.

 

Organizing Playmobil ToysThis is a page about organizing Playmobil toys. Playmobil sets are a favorite toy for children. Keeping all of those sets and their numerous pieces organized can be a project in itself.

 

Kidney Bean SaladIf you like kidney beans, you will like this salad.

 

Tomato RelishEasy to make! Delicious to eat! Serve with cold meats or on sandwiches. Can be made with either green or ripe tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes (sometimes cheap to purchase) are ideal for this.

 

Passion Fruit DelightLovely on a hot summer's day; just serve with cream or ice cream.

 

Taco SoupFamily favorite, great for doubling and excellent for freezing!

 

Pizza BurgersThis is another yummy recipe that is also fairly quick to fix.

 

Emergency Main DishThis is a great quickie recipe. Mix partially-drained green beans with mushroom soup. Add corned beef hash. Pour into casserole.

 

Apple Pineapple Side DishQuick and easy to make, healthy, and delicious. This is a great accompaniment to a pork roast, or add a little more sugar, top with whipped cream or ice cream, and serve warm or cold as a dessert.

 

Strawberry Custard PieI think this is a very different pie recipe, but it is very good.

 

Tuscany Chicken with Half Naked SpaghettiThis is a recipe I came up with for my wife, because she had been working so I made dinner. The name "Half Naked Spaghetti" comes from no heavy sauces being used ...

 

Scenery: Smokey Mountains...I travel to the beautiful Smokies at least twice a year. This was taken early one morning on Hwy. 441 between Cherokee, NC and Pigeon Forge, TN. Pictures do not do this justice.

 

Shelf-Life Guidelines for SpicesHere are some general shelf-life guidelines for spices:

 

Attract Fruit Flies With FruitThe best success I've had getting rid of fruit flies is to take a small bit of over ripe fruit, smoosh it in a small bowl, cover it with water, and leave beside your sink over night.

 

Check Outside of Home for Wasp's NestsWhen leaving the house, take the time to look up and check the doorway of the back door, front door and side doors. I did, and was horrified to discover a wasp's nest.

 

Socks (Maine Coon)Socks is a 2 year old Maine Coon. I got her and her sister (Queenie) from a friend of my grand daughter's. They were just 7 weeks old then; they are 2 years old now.

 

Baking Soda for Smelly MicrowaveFor years I have kept a small opened box of Arm and Hammer baking soda in my microwave oven. I completely remove the top of the box before putting it in the microwave.

 

Add Water To Votive Candle HoldersBy pouring about one-fourth inch of water in the votive holder before adding the candle, I could easily remove the used candle and any wax that had accumulated before replacing it the next day.

 

Winning the War Against Fruit FliesFruit flies invaded our home recently. We tried everything imaginable short of spraying chemicals. We put out a variety of concoctions such as apple cider vinegar, juice, etc. as traps to catch and drown them.

 

Growing WisteriaFew plants can rival the dramatic spring beauty of a wisteria vine in full bloom. With the right growing conditions and some occasional pruning, wisteria is a beautiful, fast growing vine - and a worthwhile addition to nearly any garden.

 

Determining if Spices are Still GoodIf you find yourself debating on whether to use a spice that doesn't have an expiration date, try these methods to see if they are still good:

 

Encouraging Houseplants to BloomThe number one cause of failure to bloom is insufficient light. So if your houseplant isn't flowering, then your first move should be to increase the light level.

 

Storing AppliancesI have a very deep corner in my cabinetry where I put a slick linoleum tile on the counter top. I put my blender and my food processor on top of the tile and when I need them I just slide the tile out to the counter edge.

 

Garden: RoseLast summer our roses were beautiful. This one was rooted off of one of my Mom's bushes. That bush is over 30 years old.

 

Stretching 13-Bean Soup MixI priced 13-bean soup mix recently and thought it was very expensive. I still had some at home. The recipe called for 2 cups of the mix. Instead I used 1/2 cup of the mix and 1/2 cup each of three kinds of cheaper beans I had on hand.

 

Conditioning Recipe To Repair Damaged HairI worked at a spa for several years. This is my own recipe of things I have heard helped others over the years.

 

Garden: Columbine MemoriesDue to losing my husband and my children not wanting me to be so far away, I had to move to the city. I miss my garden very much but it brings a smile to my face to be able to see the photos I have taken from that garden.

 

Wildlife: Hummingbird Moth (Litchfield County,...I never saw one of these and didn't know what it was! They hover and feed like a hummingbird, hence the name. Kind of looks like a shrimp with wings!

 

Dragonfly CardMake a hand-painted birthday card for a special family member.

 

Wait For Insurance to Pay on Medical BillsMake sure to compare your medical/dental bill with your EOB (Explanation of Benefits). You may find that your insurance paid the entire bill, leaving with you a $0 amount in the section labeled "patient responsibility".

 

Scenery: Sunset (Michigan)This is an amazing Michigan sunset. I loved how the tree and the cornfield privided awesome definition in the photo. Seeing this sunset with my own eyes and being able to capture it with my camera was an "ahhh" moment for me.

 

Cleaning Bath Toys with VinegarCleaning bath toys with a simple solution of vinegar and water will help get rid of bacteria and mildew. Vinegar is a natural option that is safe to use on your children's toys.

 

Brush Your Dog's Teeth For A Healthier DogIt is best to start with a puppy, if possible, but any age will do. Purchase toothpaste and a toothbrush made especially for dogs. Put a dab of toothpaste on toothbrush and attempt to softly brush along the sides of their mouth along the gum line, pulling the cheek out.

 

My Little Bear Bear (Pomeranian)A photo of my little Pomeranian who is now 18+ years old. He still plays like a puppy, even though he can't hear very well and has cataracts. He loves playing with the other dogs, and they know he is pretty special.

 

Cleaning Bath Toys with BleachIf they already have mold or mildew on them try to clean them before you throw them out. Follow these simple steps:

 

Easy Corn on the CobPreheat your oven to 375 degrees F, rinse your corn, husk and all, DO NOT shuck it. Place corn on oven rack and bake for 30 minutes. Use oven mitts or heat resistant gloves and remove husks.

 

Homemade Laundry DetergentThis is a super simple way to save a ton of money that goes down the drain for everyone. This also reduces some of the chemical toxicity in the water. For a little work, you can make 20 gallons for less than $5!

 

Easy Stuffed Baked Potatoes on the GrillI was bored with plain baked potatoes and had some leftover dip to use up, so I came up with this recipe.

 

Chicken in a Jar CraftTake a Kerr or Mason jar, put in some egg noodles, a small stuffed chicken of your choice, and cap it! You can make a circular fabric topper to really "countrify" it.

 

Housebreaking an Older Dog?How do I housebreak an older Min Pin?

 

Keeping Carpets Clean with a Toddler?We are going to be moving into a new apartment in the beginning of September. I have a 10 month old who loves to make messes and the new carpets are white. My question is; does anyone have ideas or tips on how to keep the carpet (especially in the dining room area) clean?

 

Determining Amount of Raw Food to Feed Dogs?I have a 3 year old Husky and a German Shepherd puppy. The Husky hates store bought food. How much raw food do you feed them?

 

Making a Large Batch of Potato Salad?How many bags of potatoes are needed to make 6 gallons of potato salad?

 

Previously House Trained Dog Peeing in the House?My 4 year old male, neutered Siberian Husky is peeing after being house trained. We lost his companion in 2008, and he and I suffered terribly. However, it didn't start then. Two years ago, my husband rescued a female Lab/Pit mix.

 

Home Remedies for Termites?I need to get rid of termites. Does anyone know of any household products that will work? I'm looking for a way to get rid of them without buying the termite treatment in stores.

 

Refilling Down Pillows?Does anyone know a method to combine down pillows to bring them back to fullness? They have been laundered and fluffed. I think after a number of years they lose feathers. Any helpful hints are appreciated.

 

Salvage Grocery Supplier in Pennsylvania?We are looking for a salvage grocery supplier for small country store near Franklin, PA. Our recent supplier is no longer able to take our orders. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Moth Ball Odor in Blanket Chest?How do I get rid of moth ball smell in a blanket chest? It is part cedar and part particle board. I did not want to damage the wood, so I have just been airing out the chest when the weather is nice.

 

Freezing Green Tomatoes?Does anyone have experience with freezing green tomatoes? I would appreciate hearing your results. Thanks so much.

 

Removing Paint from Carpet?How do you clean paint out of a carpet? It is orange paint on a cream carpet.

 

What is Eating My Plants?Something is eating certain leaves in my garden. I just potted a coleus plant on Sunday and something is eating that one already. I also have a sweet potato vine growing right near this and a full pot of basil, which are not touched at all.

 

Natural Remedy for Black Spots on Tomatoes?What can I do about black spots on tomatoes with out using chemicals?

 

Getting Kids Up and Ready for School?My kids are heading back to school soon. Does anyone have any tips on how to get everyone up and out in the mornings?

 

Getting Family Members to Help Around the House?My kids and hubby rarely help out around the house. Does anyone have tips and ideas for getting family members to pitch in?

 

Spartan Mayonnaise Manufacturer?Who makes Spartan mayonnaise?

 

Planning a Wedding?I'm a male US Marine and I'm getting married in a year. I was wondering if anyone could give me some feedback on what I need to plan for it and the type of things to get. Something like a checklist would do perfectly. Thank you for your feedback.

 

Choosing Clothes to Wear to School?My kids are always changing their minds about their school clothes at the last minute. Any ideas how to get them to make a clothing decision and to stick to it so we aren't running late every morning?

 

Keeping a Play Table from Moving on Carpet?Any tips on keeping the plastic legs of a baby stationary play table from sliding across carpet when the baby stands and pushes on it?

 

Challenging a Decision Made by an HOA President?Our president of the HOA went ahead and proceeded to paint our curbs around the parking areas white and then removed some of the grass areas and replaced it with small stones.

 

Paint Color Ideas for Tan and Red Bathroom?We have a dark beige bathroom suite with lots of stained, tannish wood and a bright rusty red carpet. The tiles are white and dappled tannish. What colour should I paint the room?

 

Getting Rid of Mildew Smell on Leather Furniture?How do I get rid of a mildew smell on my leather furniture?

 

Keeping Birds from Eating Berries?How do you keep birds from eating your entire grape, blueberry, and blackberry crops. I didn't even get one!

 

Making a Large Batch of Fruit Salad?How much fruit salad is needed fro 150 people?

 

Blanching Green Beans?What is the proper time to blanch green beans before freezing? One person said 1 minute and another said 3 minutes. Also, can I put them in a freezer bag or do I need actual freezing containers?

 

Manual for a Galloping Gourmet Convection Oven #AX-707?Where can I get a manual for my Galloping Gourmet convection oven, model AX-707?

 

Choosing a Countertop Color?I have cappuccino colored cupboards, the flooring is a medium brown laminate with light brown grooves going threw, and my walls are a light brownish color with a burnt orange accent. I need to know what color quartz countertops to get.