Poulet au Pastis (Chicken with Anise Liqueur)
That looks delicious! But youre right...thats a LOT of work! Hope you made more than a leg and a wing!
Reinforcing the Bottom of a Disposable Pan
I have found that some of the flimsy disposable tin containers from the Dollar Store come in sets of 2 - for one dollar! Two pans - one inside of the other - is just right! And you cant beat the price!. Even if they dont come in a set of 2...buy another one...
How to Make Sugar Wax at Home
I was trying to figure out what it was for! What do you eat it on??? Then I got to the bottom of the article ... Ohhh, now I see..its to wax hair off...LOL
Save Your Back with a Reach Extender
I have a back scratcher from the Dollar Store in the laundry room. It never fails that an errant sock or two hangs out in the back of the dryer, and this works perfectly to drag them to the front.
Junco Babies
I had no idea that Juncos nest on the ground. Thank you for sharing...another excuse to not mow the lawn!
Making a Custom Bottle Washer
That is a great idea! What I did was get a bottle washer brush from the dollar store. There was a large sponge in a loop on the tip of the brush. I cut that thing in half and put it back in the loop. It works just great when I wash bottles and jars that are...
Baking Lessons
Holly..I absolutely LOVED your story. I wish I could come to your kitchen and sit in your sunny nook and have a cup of tea with you. This story just gave me the warm fuzzies!! Thank you!
Instant Pot Meatloaf
I use mini loaf pans to make my meatloaf in. Cover with foil and cook the meatloaf. Then uncover and broil a few minutes under the broiler. Delicious!!
Instant Pot Meatloaf
Update to 2021 !! I now use my Ninja Foodi to cook the meatloaf in instead of my Instant Pot....only because of the Air Fry/Broil feature. That way I dont have to take it out of the Instant Pot and put it in the oven to finish. Instead of the mini loaf pans...
Upcycled Clay Pot Planter
That pot is gorgeous!! How on earth did you learn how to do this?? I would love to have a pot or two like this, but as I am being pretty lazy, its too much work and too many steps for me.
Consolidate Food to Save Pantry Space
I buy creamer in the large bottles - which also saves money - and when they are empty, I strip the plastic off the outside, wash and dry well and store all kinds of stuff in them. I buy bags of rice from Trader Joes. That goes in the bottles with directions...
Adjusting the Size of Fitted Sheets
I have bottom sheets that have the elastic all the way around...I hate them!! What a pain to fold. I have one set of old sheets that are elastic only on the top and bottom and its just plain along the sides. No problem at all to fold! But I have one or two...
Cast Iron Cooking Can Save Money
It used to be that you couldnt use soap on cast iron because it contained lye. Lye removed the seasoning. Today the dish soap - such as Dawn does not contain lye, so its safe to use it on greasy pans and skillets. I do it all the time with no loss of seasoning...
New Life for Old Cabinet
I just love this!! I never thought of the green and pink together for furniture. I have always loved doilies ... perfect!
Seasoning Cast Iron Pans
I also dry my cast iron on the stove after washing them. I set a timer for 2 minutes - because I seem to forget about it if I dont. I have left the skillet on the stove for way too long, so setting the timer reminds me to turn the stove off. While the skillet...
A Bug Named Katy (Cicada)
Growing up on a farm in southeastern Colorado, the cicadas were thick! And so loud you could barely hear someone talking to you! And you just try to fall asleep at night!! But I miss that so much. Yep...no cicadas here in Washington. I miss crickets here too...
Cleaning A Hand Held Can Opener
Your can opener looks a lot like my old Swing-a-way. I have had mine for almost 50 years...I got it in 1970 for a wedding present. Its lasted WAAY longer than the marriage did!! LOL Its even got the avocado green vinyl handle covers! Every now and then I run...
Preventing Mud Under Outdoor Faucet
I did the same thing as you did except I bought a few bags of the pretty colored glass rocks from the Dollar Tree and spread them out inside the picture frame. It works great and looks pretty!
Viburnum Tree in Bloom
Thank you so much for posting this!! I live in the PNW also and at this time of year I see these lovely trees in bloom all over the place. I thought they were a different variety of dogwood. Now I know what to ask the nursery for when I go get one!
Homemade Strawberry Collars
That is brilliant!! I havent grown strawberries for many years. This year - I may try them again. Thank you so much!
Reusing a Shotgun Cleaning Rod
You dont need to own guns to have a gun cleaning rod. Go to a hunting/camping store. I bet they have them there. Im going to check it out. Thank you for the great idea!!
How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater
This reminded me of a funny story. Back in 1968 I moved from Colorado to Washington State. As I was driving, I kept seeing billboards advertising Cashmere, Wash. I thought it was a soap to wash your cashmere sweater in. I didnt realize that there is a town...
Start a Fire with Water
Or carry a small magnifying glass with you in your backpack. That will also start a flame like that water-filled bottle.
"There's Fungus Among Us!"
I just KNEW it was from the Pacific Northwest! My neighbors old decrepit porch looks just like that with the same lichens and mushroom-like growths. I have taken many photos of it!
How To Control Ants In Your Kitchen
I tried the Windex tip last summer when I was fighting little ants like crazy. It killed the ants...but they came right back later. The only good thing was...my countertops were nice and clean! I am just so not looking forward to another summer of ant infestation...
Cocoa Butter Cream
Thank you so much. I have had horrible dry skin my whole life. I have spent thousands on lotions and potions to try to make it go away!! But to no avail. I will try your recipe next. Fingers crossed!!
My Orphaned Garden Friend
Hi Doug...so its been 6 years. Care to add to your lovely story about Robbie? I love your stories and articles here.
Save Eating Out for Special Occasions
Enter......the Ninja Foodi and/or Instant Pot. Total game changers for sure!! There are thousands of recipes and webpages dedicated to those two alone! I use my Foodi almost every day. Along with my Instant Pots..yes I said pots! Its funny...whenever I dont...
Old Kitchen Cabinets Leave Odor on Dishes?
I have not tried this, but Ive heard that bowls of charcoal briquettes (unused) helps eliminate odors. Its worth a try.
Challenge Yourself to Save
I bank at Bank of America. They have a feature that if I use my debit card for purchases, the total is rounded up to the nearest dollar and the change is placed in my savings account. It is called Keep the Change. It is amazing how quickly those few cents add...
Getting Whites White?
If it says on the package that its made for the dishwasher, then you can use them. I personally love the convenience of the tabs, and they are not messy like the powders are. They are probably a bit more expensive to use per load than powders, but theyre worth...
Cleaning Headlights?
If your headlight covers are plastic, you could spend 10 or 20 bucks on a fancy headlight cleaner kit, but Ive heard that toothpaste works just as well as the expensive kit. You probably shouldnt use a blue minty gel, Im sure that wont work too well. *L* Id...
Donating Stuffed Toys to a Hospital?
My advice would be to call the Fire and Police Departments in your area and ask them. I know that some police officers carry stuffed animals in the trunks of their cars to give to traumatized children in bad situations. You could call Seattle Childrens and...
Freezing Fresh Blueberries
Too late! I already rinsed them...spun them well in the salad spinner and froze them on a cookie sheet in a single layer and then freeze. They are so good. I like to eat them frozen. Its like a blueberry mini-popsicle!
Coffee Can Baked Chicken
That sounds delicious, but can you get coffee in a metal can these days? My coffee comes in a plastic container, but I havent noticed any other kind that may come in metal. I think I may have to check it out.
Neighbors Cutting Firewood?
What a bunch of low-lifes! I cant believe how people take advantage of others generosity. Find out (if you can) how much wood theyve stolen and send them a bill plus interest. You could also send them to small claims court as a last resort...but you must have...
No Where to Go from Abusive Relationship?
Sweetie....you obviously have access to a computer, so Google womens shelters, or something just to get away from that awful man. You are young and smart and know theres a better life for you elsewhere. That baby and you are in danger; especially with a pot...
Using a Linoleum Knife for Weed Removal
That is a great idea....I will hunt for one of those knives. Thanks!
Freezing Your own Hamburger Patties
I cover a cookie sheet with foil, spray with Pam and then put individual patties on and put the tray in the freezer. I always make veggie burgers, but regular hamburgers will work just as well. After they are frozen, I put each in a sandwich size plastic bag...
Veggie Burger Recipe?
This is my favorite veggie burger. It comes from one of my favorite veggie/vegan blogs: Oh She Glows Check out her site..she has wonderful recipes, even if you arent a vegetarian or vegan, its a way eat healthier. Our Perfect Veggie Burger http://ohsheglows...
Unique Name Instead of Gramma?
I called my grandmother Mamo. My mom had a problem with the d in Grandma, so she was called Gramma .. no d. I am with everyone else who said that you are so fortunate to even have a grandchild...enjoy whatever he or she calls you.
Prevent Bleach from "Eating" Your Fabric
I didnt realize that bleach and vinegar together would make a toxic gas, I knew that bleach and ammonia did. I always add vinegar to the rinse when I wash towels because it removes the bleach odor. Good thing I never added it to the wash! Thanks for the info...
Take a Cell Phone Picture of Shopping List
I have a nifty app on my phone call Shopping Cart that I can just push the button and say what I need and poof! There it is! You can have a variety of stores on your list too. I really like it because I always managed to leave the written list at home...along...
Freezing Peppers?
All I do is simply wash the peppers, remove the seeds and membranes and slice or chop the peppers to the desired size. Spread out on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid. Then I put the frozen peppers in a ZipLock bag and store in the freezer. You dont even...
Simple Mint Insect Repellant
I didnt boil the mint, I just tore it up into small pieces and put the pieces in a small spray bottle. I added some water and let it steep in the water. I then added a few drops of clove oil. Its amazing how fast the mint permeates the water! After a couple...
Removing Coffee Smell from Empty Can?
I emptied a box of baking soda into the empty plastic coffee can. I put it up in the cupboard and promptly forgot about it. I think I checked it in a week (or possibly a month, Im not sure) and the coffee smell was gone. Hope this helps.
Frugal Veggie Grilling
I absolutely love grilled veggies and make them year round...no matter what the weather. I have a grill pan that has holes in it so the veggies dont fall through. I chop alll the veggies approximately the same size so they all cook fairly evenly. I like mushrooms...
Curious Snail (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
Chelle...I have wondered where you and your lovely photos of the Oregon Coast and the plants that grow there were. Now I know! Welcome back! I hope everything goes well for you in CA and now maybe you will have a whole new crop of photos to share with us!
Surprise Guests With Flowers in the Bathroom
I want to go to your house for a party! I can just smell the lilacs now ... lovely!
Recycle the Heat From Your Oven
I have done that for years. Its almost like standing in front of a fireplace....although not nearly as romantic as a fireplace! *L*
Cooling Down a Hot Drink
Make coffee or tea ice cubes and add one or two to the hot liquid. That way it wont get all watered down. Not sure about freezing hot chocolate into cubes, but it may work.
Getting All the Lotion Out of Bottle
I put the almost empty bottle of lotion in the microwave for a few seconds. The heat loosens up the thick lotion so that its easier to to get the last drop. Watch it though ... I left the bottle in too long once and the microwave melted a hole in it and the...
Removing a Toe Corn?
Go to a foot doctor (podiatrist)! He/she can remove it safely...especially if you are diabetic. Dont mess around with remedies.
Stainless Steel Vs. Black Cooktop?
There are cleaners specifically made for the sealed top stoves. I had a black sealed stove years ago and it was definately hard to keep clean. If theres a boil-over ... what a mess to clean. I had a nifty tool that had a retractable razor blade that I used...
Mackerel or Salmon Patties
That sounds yummy! I am going to try that the next time I make salmon patties. Also add a dash of liquid smoke to the mix before cooking the patties... tastes like smoked salmon. Delish!
Use Scotch-Bright Pads as Veggie Scrubbers
Years ago I worked in the Operating Room. The brushes that the surgeons used to scrub prior to surgery were used once then tossed away. I took one of them home to use for scrubbing veggies and Ive been using it ever since. The bristles are very durable yet...
Lysol No-Touch Hand Soap Dispenser Refill
I really like my hands-free dispenser too, but the refills are much too expensive. So I decided there MUST be a way of refilling them - and there is! Get one of those syringes that you use for deep basting a turkey - the kind with a large needle. Take the empty...
Cleaning Smelly Towels?
I have always used only about 1/3 cup of Clorox bleach and hot water to wash my colored towels. It doesnt take a whole cup or more to sanitize towels like it says on the label. Thats just nuts! Not only is it bad for your towels, its also bad for the environment...
Cleaning Smelly Towels?
I have a typo. I DONT use 1/3 cup of bleach, I use 1/4 cup! Sheesh...learn to type! *LOL*
Halloween Costume: The Incredible Hulk
That is fabulous! Is your friend a professonal makeup artist? If she isnt, she should be!
Halloween Costume: The Incredible Hulk
Your friend did an awesome job! Is she a professional makeup artist? If shes not....she should be!
Product Review: Organic Boxed Soups
Trader Joes also has some wonderful boxed soups. I dont know it they are gluten free or not because I dont have a problem with that. If you have a Joes in your area. Give their soup a try.
Homemade Freezer Jam
I have been searching for this recipe for years! I saw a recipe like this years ago, but could never find it again. I am definitely going to try this next summer when our strawberries are ripe. Thank you!
Oktoberfest (Leavenworth, WA)
Thank you so much for the lovely write-up about our Leavenworth. It is indeed a jewel in the Cascade Mountains.
Crock Pot Ham Hocks and Mixed Beans?
My mom and my grandmother used to make hamhocks and beans that was just delish. I remember spreading out the dry pinto beanas on the kitchen table and picking out the dirt and rocks that sometimes make it into the bags. Then the beans were soaked overnight...
Buying Carolina Blue Spruce Trees?
Is it possible that it might be a Colorado blue spruce instead of a Carolina blue spruce? I am from Colorado originally and it is our state tree. It has a lovely blue tinge to it and is very hardy. Im not sure how well it would do in the south, but its possible...
Cell Phone Went Through the Wash?
Rice worked for us. The S.O. had his phone in his shorts pocket. He waded in a lake and the water went up to, you guessed it, his shorts pocket. He was in a panic; brand new phone and it was wet. The person at the phone store told him to put it into a container...
Removing Odors from a Freezer
That happened to my friend also. The freezer was full of meat, mostly venison and elk. What a tragedy to lose that food. It was so bad that they just dug a huge hole in the back yard with a backhoe. (They lived in the country, not in the city. *L*) They secured...
Tennis Ball Parking
I used to have a beautiful Corvette roadster. The hoods on Corvettes seem to be 10 feet long when attempting to park in a garage! I hung a tennis ball from the ceiling and it worked perfectly. No more bumps in the wall or accidental bumps to the Corvettes nose...
Finding Free Books for Your Kindle
I ordered my Kindle last week and should have it sometime this week and I cant wait! Thanks so much for the info on getting free books. I will check them all out soon.
Cleaning a Discolored Aluminum Pan?
Why do you boil eggs in baking soda? Try a glug of vinegar in with your eggs and water. It keeps the eggs together in case there is a tiny crack in the shell that you may not see. The vinegar also could shine up your pot as well...bonus! I know that cooking...
Reviews of Steam Mops?
I am loving my Vac them Steam mop from Shark. It is so easy to use and it is especially convenient to not have to switch from vacuum and then to a mop. Ive had two others before this one. The first was the H2O mop and then the smaller Shark. Both just quit...
What is This Plant?
Finally! A pic of a plant that I actually knew what it is and everybody beat me to the answer! Dang.
Mark Top of Comforter For Easy Bed Making
I have done something similar for years. I use a black Sharpie and put a small black dot on the sheets. Now that fitted sheets have elastic all the way around, its not easy to find the head of the sheet. When I get new sheets, I put the bottom sheet on the...
Cupboard Paint Color Advice?
Yes, you can paint the hardware, but you must take them off the cupboard first. After youve removed the hardware, spray a primer designed for metal and let dry. You can then spray them whatever color you like. I personally like the hammered metal type spray...
Peonies from My Backyard
I am so jealous. I absolutely love peonies..the smell is so fabulous. They are just gorgeous!
FoodSaver vs Seal-a-Meal?
I have a Food Saver and I just love it. I have saved a lot of money by buying in bulk and freezing the food. However, I thought Id save money on the bags by buying Wal-Mart brand, not a good idea. The bags leaked and I got freezer burn on some itiems. They...
Be an Encourager
Whenever my sweetie and I go out to dinner and our server is not in sight when we are ready to leave, I hunt her/him down and hand the tip directly to them. I always say Here, hold this! They always smile and give a very cheerful thanks. It surprises them for...
Freezer "Bin System"
I just love this idea. I definately am going to do that...my freezer is an unorganized mess.
Keeping Flies Away From the House?
Someone I know hangs a zip-lock sandwich baggie full of water over their doorway. He swears that it keeps the flies out of his house and he leaves his front door open and doesnt have a screen door. I have no idea if it works or even how or why it works, but...
Keeping Flies Away From the House?
Of course, that baggie of water hanging over his doorway looks stupid!
Homemade Salad Dressing Too Thin?
Claire Robinson on 5 Ingredient Fix on the Food Network has a fabulous homemade Ranch Dressing. It is just delicious. I will never buy store-bought ranch dressing again. Look up her Iceberg Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing recipe..it is so yummy!
Starting a Compost Pile?
I started my compost by purchasing several bags of inexpensive dirt from Home Depot. I think they were on sale for about 3 bucks a bag. I have a Ninja blender that I use to chop up all the peelings, ends of zucchini and squash, apple cores, egg shells and etc...
Tips For Living Green
One towel for me... one for my hubby. If youre still dirty after taking a shower, then you need to wash better! I have done this for years and were still doing OK. And about those pesky dry skin cells.... if I cant see em, they dont bother me!
Reusing Spice Containers
Trader Joes has the best spice jars now that they are square! When they are empty, I soak the labels off, then wash, rinse and dry and fill with other spices that Ive purchased from the bulk aisle. I label the new spices with my trusty label maker so I wont...
