To make instant mashed potatoes taste better, add some salt free seasoning such as Mrs. Dash. The seasoning masks the artificial flavor some instant potatoes have.

By Lynn

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What to Do with 10 Pounds of Ground Beef

A few weeks ago I came upon a ground beef bargain. The expiration date was nearing and my supermarket needed to get rid of 10 pounds of ground beef. I decided to try something different, albeit a little weird.

Sloppy Joes

Here's a recipe using some of that 10 pounds of ground beef!

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Quick as a Flash Burrito Filling

Combine two pounds of cooked beef, two packets of Lawry's Burrito Seasoning mix (any brand will do); 2-1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Done! Wrap in warm flour tortillas with grated cheese. Serves 8.

By Kathy

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Using Halloween Candy for Christmas

As I was browsing the Halloween candy at Big Lots today, most of the chocolate (i.e. Hersheys, Milky Way, etc were $1.78 for the 11-12 oz size bag. Then I noticed they had also tagged the 22 oz bags of 1 kind with the same price tags. I bought enough to use in Christmas gift baskets (I'll just remove the orange ones). Careful looking pays off!

By Linda

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Cleaning the Toilet

If you have stains in your toilet bowl, of any kind, you can use a pumice stone to rub it out.

By LAURA

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Uses for Velcro

I love sticky back velcro. I have velcro'd a large clip on top of my rolltop desk to put outgoing correspondence into, velcro'd a scratch pad to the visor of my car, and my personal favorite, a velcro dot keeps my lip balm right where it needs to be on the nightstand-stuck on the lamp so I can find it in the dark and it won't roll off! What else have people velcro'd?

By Linda

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Donating to Goodwill

Rather then making a pile of stuff to go to Goodwill that gets bigger and bigger on top of the dryer, I hang a heavy duty trash bag on a hook in the garage -- two steps farther than the laundry room -- and all donation stuff goes right into the bag. When its full, I toss it in the car (well, maybe not toss 'cause it gets pretty heavy) and take it to the charity thrift store. Really helps to round up clutter as I have a designated place for it without thinking about where to put it or getting a box to put it in.

By Linda

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Homemade Banana Bread

1/2 cup softened butter/margarine

1 3/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

2 cups mashed bananas

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a loaf pan. In a bowl mix butter and sugar until creamy. In a seperate bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt. Blend dry ingredients with creamed butter/sugar mixture. Add mashed bananas and eggs. Pour into pan. Bake 1 hour or until knife or toothpick comes out clean.

By Suzanne S.

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Homemade Christmas Decorations

1 cup applesauce

1 cup cinnamon

Mix thoroughly until it takes a doughy texture. Shape into ornament and allow to air dry. Now paint or decorate as your imagination leads you. Looks beautiful on the tree and smells fantastic!

By Suzanne S.

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Quickly Dice Eggs

To make quick diced eggs, take your potato masher and go to work on a boiled egg.

By Peggy

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Boil Eggs Safely

If you wrap each egg in aluminum foil before boiling it, the shell won't crack when it's boiling.

By Peggy

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Gravy Tips

For quick thickener for gravies, add some instant potatoes to your gravy and it will thicken beautifully.

To remedy greasy gravy, add a small amount of baking soda.

To make gravy smooth, keep a jar with a mixture of equal parts of flour and cornstarch. Put 3 or 4 tablespoons of this mixture in another jar and add some water. Shake, and in a few minutes you will have a smooth paste for gravy.

By Peggy

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Homemade Finger Paint

2 cups baking soda

1 cup cornstarch

1 1/2 cups water

food coloring

Mix in saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until thick and bubbly. Cool. Then pour in a container and paint. Store in an air tight container or tupperware.

By Suzanne S.

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New Requests:

Pine Cones with Colors When Burned

I'm looking for directions. A longtime ago I read of how to soak pine cones in a "solution" of ALUM? And the pine cones would give off beautiful colors when burned. I'd appreciate some ideas Thanks,
Pat

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How do I Get Rid of This Mildew?

I have a car seat that has been in the garage. It has been out of the weather but some how is still covered with mildew. Please help!
-deanna gregory

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Making Doormats from Rope

I have just learned how to make rag rugs. I really enjoy doing them and have made 2 so far and plan on making more. I got the incentive from you guys. My question is how do you make an outside door mat from rope? Do you do it the same way or is there another way that you do it. Thanks in advance.

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Ideas for Truly Madly Deeply Prom
By lazetta

My daughters are in charge of their Prom and need ideas for creating a water fountain look and ideas for a picture corner. The theme is "Truly Madly Deeply." Any ideas are appreciated.
- lazetta

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Getting the Shine Out of a Black Dress

I have a black dress that is made of rayon and acetate. I accidently ironed the dress without turning it inside out. The material is now shiny. How can I get rid of the shine??
Thanks,
Debbi

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Dahlias

I have always loved dahlias. I watched a program on tv, not too long ago about them, and really got sparked up again about wanting to learn more! I live in S.E. Massachusetts, am disabled but very ambulatory most of the time! So I can come to you and learn! I also would like to know where to buy them or trade for services or what I can do for some of varied colors? Please help me! You won't believe how much I will appreciate your help, advise and teachings, etc.
Thanking you in advance,
Bill
~000~
three_zeros (at) webtv (dot) Net

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Searching for an Easy Tote Pattern

I want to make tote bags for toddlers and I'm not sure what measurements I should be using.I'd love to find some easy to follow patterns.
Thanks,
bizzyhands

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What Goes with My Living Room Paint

I have painted my dining room and living room the color called February Frost by Behr Paint, with white crown molding trim. February Frost is very similar to the pastel purple that is on your web-site. I think the color is beautiful, however, I don't know what colors to match with it so that I can get throw pillows for my sofas and also slipcovers made for my chairs. What colors go with this painted room.
PLEASE HELP!!
Sher-Rhonda

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