February 11, 2008

Valentine's Dinner For TwoWhen was the last time that you used your wedding china? Still packed in the garage? Yeah, well now is the time to pull out that china and make a wonderful fancy dinner for that man of yours.

 

Strawberry Sweet DreamCook the rice and milk over low heat until most of the milk is absorbed, but mixture is still creamy. Stir occasionally. Cover and allow to cool 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in sugar and vanilla.

 

Grandma's Tuna SaladThe day before serving, break up tuna, chop celery and pepper, mix in mayo and put in refrigerator to serve the next day.

 

Cheese and Bean EnchiladasLayer 2 Tbsp. cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. refried beans, sprinkle of tomatoes, shredded cheese, and minced onions. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes or freeze for serving later.

 

Pink SaladCombine gelatin and pineapple in saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to prevent sticking. Cool. Fold in whipped cream and cottage cheese.

 

Creamy Bowtie PastaCook pasta, drain and set aside. In a saute pan, add diced bacon and when it's almost done, add the green onions. Finish cooking, then drain off grease.

 

Tangy Mustard Cauliflower (Microwave)Place prepared (washed and leaves removed) cauliflower in large covered casserole. Add water. Microwave on high 9-15 minutes (turning over halfway), depending on how tender you like cauliflower.

 

Enjoy a Peaceful Ride HomeAnyone who has to pick up their kids or grandkids from a childcare situation after work knows that the ride home can sometimes be filled with whining and complaining as the kids are tired and hungry.

 

Key To My HeartThis year's Valentine's Day gifts for the men in my life is a take-off on my Bottle Cap Sun idea.

 

Remembering to Blow Out CandlesThis tip has to do with safety. I have done this tip for years. I like to burn candles occasionally, but I am fearful that I will forget about them burning and leave the house. Most always, if I am going to leave the house, I will take my car.

 

What Goes Around Comes AroundOne day a few years back I had an abundance of bottles, glasswear and other kitchen items. Rather than throw them in the garbage, I placed all items in a few boxes, wrote big signs that read FREE and placed them on the road beside my driveway.

 

Tole (Sheltie)Tole is a 16 year old Sheltie. Tole was a rescue dog from Nevada. We brought him to Wisconsin and now he's the perfect pal and a total snowdog!

 

Egg Carton BellsI just got back last night from a weekend of fun and games with my 5 year old granddaughter, Megan. We all know how little kids love to give presents to grown ups. She gave me some bells that she had made from a recycled paper egg carton. You just cut out the little cups and paint.

 

Put Plastic On Top of the RefrigeratorI admit cleaning the fridge is not high on my list but after I'm done cleaning the outside, I take strips of plastic wrap and place it on top of the fridge. Voila! Next time? Just replace.

 

Heart Shaped Meat LoafFor Valentine's Day, I make a heart shaped meat loaf. You can add ketchup or any tomato based sauce that you prefer on top. If you have a heart shaped cake pan...

 

Add Baby Oil to Hand Lotion for Extra MoisturizingMake your hand and body lotion work better! When you are putting hand cream on, add a little baby oil. I use the gel. Just a little, mix it up well before you put it on your hands.

 

Use Extra Samples As Filler When MailingUse extra unused samples from the mail as filler/packing material instead of packing peanuts or other in packages you mail to family or friends. They are an added bonus!

 

Freeze Leftover Coke for IceMy husband drinks a lot of coke but most of the time he leaves about a cup full. I use to throw it away but now I put it in a small container with a lid and put it in the freezer. I use this frozen coke instead of ice.

 

Valentine's Gift for the School's SecretaryI am taking terracotta pots and painting them or finding ones painted already. I figure, since secretaries need pens and pencils, I am gonna add Styrofoam covered in moss.

 

Doily Heart BasketThese darling little baskets are so quick and inexpensive to make that you'll want to make several for family and friends.