April 26, 2005

Chess PieCombine and bake in a pie shell slowly at 350 degrees until a crust forms on the top of the pie and is golden brown (approximately 45 minutes).

 

Christmas Fruit PunchThe ginger ale added just before serving will make this a bubbly, sweet holiday punch.

 

Ham PinwheelsHeat oven to 350 degrees. Spread dough into 4 triangles. Press perforations to seal. Spread triangles with cheese or dip to within 1/4" of edges. Starting with the shortest sideroll up each triangle, pressing edges to seal.

 

Pineapple PunchA Shower favorite.

 

Muffins with Applesauce, Bran and YogurtMix ingredients together and bake in greased muffin tins for 20 minutes at 350 degrees. These will also FREEZE well.

 

Pastry Mix (Pie Shell) for Storage or BakingCombine flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture is crumbly. Cover and store in a cool place.

 

Orange Cranberry CakeAfter baking, pour over the hot cake a mixture of juice from 2 oranges and 1/2 cup sugar. Top with whipped cream

 

Drink Lots of WaterWith Summer not far away, I'd like to stress the importance of drinking enough water so you don't get dehydrated. A few years ago, had my husband have taken this advice, he'd have not had an emergency Dr's. appointment. But he got overheated at work, nearly passed out and had to be rushed to the Doctor.

 

Be Smart When Stocking UpWhile shopping if you stock up on an item that you use only once a year, it's not really a good deal, plus it's probably just going to take up valuable space that you could be using for something else.

 

Grow a Larger Tomato CropBefore transplanting your tomato plant seedlings outside, make your planting hole a bit deeper than usual, and drop 2 teaspoons of epsom salts in each planting hole. Sprinkle some dirt in the hole, and then add your seedling.

 

Saving Energy Drying ClothesIt's best to keep your dryer hot by running one load after another. It will help maintain your dryer's heat. It consumes the most energy while it is heating up. Clean the lint dryer between every use and don't over dry clothing.

 

Milk Jugs and Juice Bottles For Bird SeedI reuse plastic milk jugs with the end cut off to use as scoops for birdseed. I reuse plastic juice bottles to store the seed in.

 

Less Sweeping and VacuumingLimit the wear and tear on your flooring and how frequently you have to vacuum by not wearing shoes in your house. It will cut down on the amount of dirt that winds up on your floor dramatically.

 

Bailey (Yellow Labrador Retriever)Bailey is our beloved but brainless 4 y.o. yellow labrador retriever, the quintessential "dumb blonde". He often cocks his head to one side with a curious expression when you say his name, as if he's trying to understand what you're saying.

 

Double Sided Tape For Wrapping PresentsWhen wrapping any type of gifts, especially at Christmas time, a roll of Scotch double sided tape is a wise investment. It is easier,and faster to wrap the gifts, and the packages are more attractive, since no tape is visible on top of the paper or ribbons.

 

Refurbishing Wood Salad BowlsHas your wooden salad bowl lost its "glow"? Pour some HOT olive oil into a dull wooden bowl. It will renew the finish and is definitely safe for serving food.

 

When Does Life Begin? JokeThree ministers were together one day and the subject came up of 'When does life begin?'

 

Keeping Soup Bowls From Sliding on a PlateTo keep a soup bowl from sliding on the plate I put a paper towel or napkin between the bowl and the plate when I put it in and take it out of the the microwave. This also a good tip when eating soup, especially if you are not eating at the table.

 

Check with the GrocerCheck with your grocer from time to time to see about any greatly reduced meats or fruits that he'd be getting rid of. You could put those fruits to good use making batches of homemade jams, jellies, preserves ...

 

Daisy Duke (Chinese Pug)Daisy Duke is a seven month old chinese pug. We purchased Daisy when she was eight weeks old from a breeder in Mineral Wells TX. My husband and I saw her puppy picture on the internet and called the breeder right away. Daisy loves to lick ears, feet, basically anything you will let her.

 

Preventing Bleaching From Stain RemoversHave you had trouble with stain removers (such as Shout, etc.) leaving a light spot on your dark or bright-colored clothing like it had been bleached?

 

Removing Pine Tree Sap From Glass?How do you remove pine tree sap from glass?

 

Faded Black Clothing?I love the color black and have so many black items that have faded, including pants, jeans, tops, even underwear ... you name it. Is there any way to salvage these clothes and make them darker again? I hate to throw them out because they are still in good condition.

 

Dollar Menus at Fast Food Restaurants?Many times when our daughters were younger, they would go on activities, especially with our church. On those activities it was often necessary to eat at a fast food restaurant. This can get very expensive and some weeks we just didn't have the money for them to go and eat.