Before you go reprogramming, check to make sure that there is not an obstruction for the electric eye. If there is a spider web, or a leaf or something, it may prevent the beam from allowing passage. That will prevent the door from working. ... View related article.
No matter what you serve, get prices now, and think in terms of what the cost per person is. Ask yourself how much you would eat and see how much it would cost to serve yourself. Don't forget to include paper products, flowers, etc. Lots of hors d'oiuevres can be made ahead and frozen, or purchased ahead from the frozen aisle. It's a good way to spread out the cost. If you are doing this entirely on your own, remember that meat is the most expensive food, so be creative with those ideas. ... View related article.
A doctor suggested years ago that I "treat" my grumpy low blood sugar kid with some juice BEFORE he got out of bed. I did and it made a difference. The idea was to get the blood sugar going before their feet hit the floor. Just go in a few minutes early and give the kids a little bit. I used to carry a small tray with the small cups. Try it. Don't, however, give them something loaded with high fructose corn syrup; just a little of the good stuff, like oj, apple juice or one of the myriad new juices out there. This could work for the after school pick me up, too, but maybe a box of graham cracker cookies in the car would also help. ... View related article.
Our vet told us years ago to use a little boric acid powder. Put a pinch or more, depending on the size of the dog, into the ear and close the flap over the ear and massage the ear for several seconds. It works beautifully, and is painless to the animal. ... View related article.
Several years ago, there was a show on HBO called, "Not Necessarily the News" and on the show was a comedian, Rich Hall, who had strange definitions for things, including this: socks that disappear in the dryer are "Lost in the Hose-Zone." I'm not sure of the spelling, but thought you'd like to know where all those socks have gone! We've used it for years. ... View related article.
Oodles of Noodles! Get a bunch of noodles, when they're on sale, and give each girl two to play with and as party favors. The can link up and float around the pool with some connectors, something 12 year old girls love, linking up, right? Think of games to play that use the floats, like creating sculptures, Noodle toss (to see who can toss one the farthest) and that sort of thing. Take everyday games and replace items with the noodles, like a relay, or pin the something on the noodle. Decorate with them, whatever you can think of; KISMIF: Keep it Simple; Make it Fun! They'll never think of a wet noodle as a boring thing again! Happy Birthday to your gal! ... View related article.
That sounds like a good idea. I'm guessing that you don't have a garbage disposal to get rid of the "evidence." A couple of pieces of light bread will all but dissolve completely in water. Save the plastic bag and fllush the bread down the toilet. Handy, eh? ... View related article.
You know, a meal is probably cheaper than finger foods, in the long run. How many people do you have coming? Roast a turkey or two or three a day ahead, or order them roasted from the market. If you can afford it, have it sliced for you. Mashed potatoes and a couple of vegetables, maybe a salad, although that wouldn't be necessary, bread and butter, and you're set. You can get premade gravy, but test them first, so it's a good one. Serve it family style, or else buffet, and your guests will love you for giving them a full meal. You could also do something like lasagna or spaghetti. What you offer to eat at the reception will be considered in the manner that you treat it, yourself. Make sure that you have good bread, and people won't care WHAT you serve. LOL, for years, everyone will say, "Can we get some bread like Melissa had at her wedding? That was so good!" Do what you can and it will be appreciated by anyone who matters. ... View related article.
Go with the apple and pita and put it into something that you can label "Economic and Stimulous Package," since it will be in an economic package and everyone knows that apples are dietary "stimulants!" What person could not appreciate your creative treatment of the hard truth that we are all experiencing. It also breaks any possibility of extravagant expectations for next year. People won't know what to expect, except your creativity. You should be respected for your honesty. ... View related article.
