February 2, 2006

Beef 'n Bean ChiliIn pot over medium heat combine meatloaf, beans, tomato sauce, salsa and chili powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 12-15 minutes...

 

Southwest MeatloafPreheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine barbecue sauce, chili pepper and cumin. In large bowl combine 1/2 cup barbecue sauce mixture with beef...

 

Mom's Oatmeal CakeBoil butter, sugar, and milk together for about 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat and add nuts and coconut. Spread on cake while both are still warm...

 

Banana Bread BitesMix just until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and (nuts if desired) drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet. Bake 12-15 minutes or light golden...

 

My Favorite Peanut Butter CookiesThis recipe was given to me about 40 years ago by the mother of an original Mouseketeer named Lynn Ready. It has remained my favorite Peanut Butter Cookie recipe. From the desk of Jonni Ready...

 

Puffy Baked PancakeThis goes very fast. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly beat flour, milk, vanilla and eggs together; batter should be lumpy. Melt butter or margarine in a 10"-12" casserole (in oven) until very hot...

 

Trading Services with FriendsUse the barter system with a friend. I have a friend that sews and I don't. She loves my homemade soup and bread. I love her sewing. So, we trade soup and bread for sewing talents. We end up both happy campers.

 

Poll: Have you ever leased a car? Today's poll asks if you have ever leased a car, truck or SUV.

 

Keep Cleaning Items HandyHave cleaning items in every room, like a roll of paper towels, etc. It makes cleanup easy and no running for supplies. Also keep the extra plastic bags...

 

Solo Cup Doll Lamp with InstructionsHere is a Solo cup doll lamp or night light. This lamp is made with clear solo drinking cups, a craft doll, and clear Christmas tree lights. We now have complete instructions!

 

Littleman (English Bulldog)Littleman is a 3 year old (on January 27th) English Bulldog. We found a breeder on the computer, went to Mississippi in March 2003 to pick him up.

 

Zapping SpongesInstead of throwing kitchen sponges away (everyone knows how fast they are loaded with germs)..try this. Wash them in the dishwasher, and then let them zap in the microwave ...

 

Organizing Your CabinetsGo to dollar store and buy small plastic baskets to fill with products like oil, vinegar, spices, marsala wine, vanilla extract, etc. and then put them in your cabinets...

 

New Simplicity Blog SpotMy name is Rebecca Kennedy, and I've just started a new simplicity blog called Everyday Simplicity. I'm also starting a local simplicity group here in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Pay Attention to the CookingDon't do something else while you're cooking. Time gets away from you and the results can be a disaster. At least, have a very loud timer. I ruined more than a few dishes and managed to almost burn my house down learning this.

 

Keeping from Eating Too MuchWhenever you go out to eat, box up half of your meal. That way, you don't eat as much, and you have another meal for the next day!

 

How to Catch the Runaway DogHaving trouble catching your dog when they take off outside? Next time this happens, get your dog's attention. Get them to look straight into your eyes, then turn and run back home.

 

Cub Scout Banquet Decorations?I am in need of some ideas for cub scout blue and gold banquet decorations with a space or futuristic theme. Does anyone know if the colors need to be blue and gold?

 

Nail Varnish Stain on Chair?We have a nail varnish stain on our Channile armchair that has dried. Does anyone have an idea how to remove it?

 

Should We Lease a Car?My husband wants to lease a new car. We've always bought cars before and now that we have two small children I don't think leasing is a good idea for us. I know we won't put the milage on the Car/SUV but the kids will probably spill in it. What are the pros and cons of leasing?

 

Disney Vacation Tips?Does anyone have any good ideas or tips for planning a Disney vacation? There is so much info on the website, and I have so far been unsuccessful in ordering the vacation guide.

 

Stain From a Coin on Formica?I have a 1960s table which is my pride and joy. It's made of white formica and recently my son spilt milk on to a coin that was on it. I didn't notice until it was too late. The milk reacted with the coin and now I have a round coin mark on my pride and joy!

 

Coffee Stain on Microfiber?Coffee with skim milk and sugar was just spilled on my microfiber couch. It beaded up under the cushions so it did not go through but what can I do about the stain on the surface of the couch and cushions?

 

Crocheted Hats Made With Plastic Bags?I would like a pattern for crochet hats using plastic store bags to make the "yarn". I would like an adult size.

 

Cards Made With CDs?Does anyone have any instructions for making a card with CDs? I think they were cut in quarters and had a lttle pull tab on them to open. They are so cute.

 

Christie's Restaurant Remoulade Sauce Recipe?When I lived in San Antonio, Texas, I used to eat at Christie's Restaurant and loved the Remoulade Sauce they served. Would anyone happen to have their recipe?

 

Don Pablo's Guacamole?Does anyone have a copycat recipe for Don Pablo's Guacamole?