Freeze Grapes as a Snack
I also freeze banana slices and dices apple with the peeling. Because of the natural sugar in these fruits, they dont freeze really hard. And a very healthy snack.
Freeze Grapes as a Snack
Dice up an apple, peeling and all, and freeze on a layer of plastic wrap in a small cake pan to keep the pieces separated. Freeze and store in a Ziplock bag. Do the same with a sliced banana. Give the kids a mix as a snack. They will love them. And so will...
Advice For Tree With Small Figs?
I believe this has more to do with the type of fig tree that you have. I have this type also, and a friend who has a nursery said if I want large figs, I should plant a Turkey Fig. I plan to do so this Fall. My fig tree bears all summer, but they are very small...
Help Selling Homemade Doll Clothes?
Google has a place where you can advertise your things for sale and it is free. you might want to try there first. You make your ad and submit it and they run it for 30 days. You can find the information for this at www.google.com/base They automatically link...
Moo-La Bank
Thanks for the compliments....just wanted to add an additional note. If you have jars with a metal lid, or if you use a canning type lid, carefully cut a slot in the metal with a large knife. Be sure to turn it over and lay it down on a solid surface and pound...
Installing a Review Mirror in a Buick Regal?
You can buy a kit in the automotive dept of Wal-mart. The kit includes the glue to attach the rear view mirror to your windshield along with complete instructions. It is fairly easy to do. Harlean from Arkansas
Saving Money on Long Distance?
Tip for Senior Citizens on low income....check your local phone company for Life Line service. It is based on your income, but will cut your phone service about in half. My 85 year old mother uses this, and her bill is about $14.00 a month. She also doesnt...
Pie Server To Get Every Bit Out Of Food Packets
I just use my kitchen shears and cut along 3 sides and then open it flat. Then scrape it into a bowl. There is not much liquid to worry about in the tuna, so this works well for me. Harlean from Arkansas
Recipe For Healthy Cookies?
Here is a recipe that I have developed from an old recipe I had used for about 45 years. I just made a few changes to make it low fat,high fiber, and sugar-free. Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookies 1/2 cup Unsweetened Applesauce 1/4 cup olive or canola oil 1 whole egg...
Sweet and Sour Sauce - Tips and Recipes?
Here is my favorite Sweet and Sour Sauce, and how to serve it with chicken and rice. Quick, easy, inexpensive, and delicious!! Sweet and Sour Chicken Breaded chicken nuggets (cut in half and heat in microwave just before adding them to sauce) 3/4 cup water...
Bread Mixer Recommendations?
I sort of agree with Lyndagale62 about the breadmaker. I use mine always to mix my whole wheat bread, but I dont like the way it bakes either. I select whole wheat dough cycle, and and after it mixes and kneads the dough, and it rises the first time, I turn...
Dress Well For Less Money
Your outfit sounds beautiful. You should include a picture so we can see the results of your bargin Shoppin Harlean from Arkansas
Online Paperback Swap
I have been a member for a little over a year, and really enjoy it. If you are a fan of Audio books (either on CD or Cassettes, they are also available for 2 credits), and they also have a sister site for swapping Music CDs, although I have never checked that...
Store Leftovers In Clear Containers and In One Place
I also cook intentional leftovers to stash in the freezer. Then, on the evenings that we have events that dont leave time for cooking, I can retrieve my leftovers and have a meal on the table in about 10 minutes. I also cook rice in large quantities, and put...
Reupholstering Sofa Cushions?
Taking the cushion cover apart and using it for a pattern is the best way, but for those of us that arent that good with the sewing machine, I tried something a little different. I had a floral design couch with cushions that had big holes worn through the...
Use Paper Grocery Bags For Mailing
If you are discovered using inside out priority boxes, you will be required to pay Priority Mail rates. Many of the priority boxes are stamped Priority all over the inside to prevent using them in this manner. Harlean from Arkansas
Stomach and Hips Tightening Tips?
My husband and I have a piece of equipment called the AB-Lounge. It is relatively inexpensive....available at WalMart for about $100.00. And an easy exercise product to use. Also available for a little less at Amazon.com with free shipping. The picture is from...
Glass Etching Kit?
I agree with Vicky....dont etch the doors, and use the squeegee. Our shower has two sides plus the door in clear glass. I buy shower spray at the dollar store, and when we finish our shower, we spray down the glass, and also the two fiberglass walls with the...
Use Shredded Mail For Packaging Material
I use a woodburning stove to heat my woodworking shop in the Winter time, so I shred my newspapers, junk mail, and catalogs. I line my shredder basket with a plastic grocery bag. When it is full, I tie it shut with the handles. Then store them for starting...
Sorting Backlogged Emails?
gmail.com is one of the mail services where it is very easy to set up folders. I (b)do(/b) have a folder for Thrifty Fun newsletters there, and I have mine set to come into my Inbox, but they are labeled for the folder, and I archive them to the folder. Usually...
Cleaning a Gas Oven?
I stopped using oven cleaner in my gas oven years ago because it seems like you can never get all the residue cleaned out. I use primarily just baking soda and water made into a paste. For stubborn spots, use a Scotch Brite pad. If that doesnt do the trick...
Labeling Mason Jars?
I use the same method as Darlene...A black Sharpy permanent marker. I write on the lid the contents and the date that I canned it. That way when you use the product and wash the jar, you dont have to change or redo the label. And the lid is only used once for...
Homemade Cures for Poison Ivy?
This is not a home remedy, but I have been using it and recommending it for over 20 years. The product is Hylands Poison Oak tablets, and is good for poison ivy as well as poison oak. This product is a natural remedy that is available in health food stores...
Cleaning Painted Cement?
All the floors in my home are painted concrete. . I use Awesome that I buy at the dollar store. Mix about 1/2 cup to a gallon of warm water.Wring the mop out until damp and mop. Rinsing is optional. I dont usually rinse. Let dry and put a couple coats of Future...
Homemade Pot Holders?
I crochet granny squares and stitch them to squares of the same size cut from worn towels Stack them granny square, towel square, and a second granny square. You can stitch them together by hand, or machine stitch them by stitching around all for sides and...
Old Fashioned Hard Boiled Eggs
I cover my eggs with cold water and add about a tablespoon of salt. If egg shells crack, the salt in the water keeps the whites from seeping out. A Tablespoon of vinegar added to the water will also work. Bring to a full boil, cover with a tight fitting lid...
How to Make Seed Tape
I wanted to add another photo to update this article. I took a picture yesterday.This was taken 10 days after planting the tapes. As these plants develop, I will pull every other one to make room for the others to grow a little larger. Harlean from Arkansas
How to Make Seed Tape
Seeds do not always germinate 100% is the reason I put them a little closer and thin, if necessary. Harlean from Arkansas
Full List of Recalled Pet Products
One product that I read about in our local paper several days ago and checked out is Ol Roy Dog Biscuits from WalMart. The paper stated that they were on the recall list. I called the number on the back of the package, and spoke with someone, who assured me...
Growing No Till Vegetables?
If you can find a horse farm that uses straw as bedding in their stalls, see if they will sell you a load, or they may even (b)give(/b) you a load. I am lucky because we have Oaklawn Race Track here. They hold races from January until April, and I can get all...
How can I easily hold up my Gladiolus?
I have seen in a gardening catalog some stakes for Gladiolus. They are stiff wire, and are about 3 feet or so high. The tops are bent into a spiral about 6 inches and they are about the diameter of a saucer. I think you could make your own easily from a coathanger...
Windowsill Celery Hearts
What a neat idea! This will extend the life of my celery even further. I already keep it wrapped in aluminum foil and that keeps it crisp and good for up to 6 weeks. Now I can use it from the windowsill, too. Thanks so much for this tip Harlean from Arkansas
Easter Egg Dye Recipes?
When I was a little girl, my mother used to make her own dyes because she didnt have money to spare for store bought ones. She boiled onion skins in water for a sort of yellow color, some she dipped in tea and coffee to stain shades of brown, used beet juice...
Organizing Tupperware in Your Cupboard
I just sent all my old plastic microwave containers to the thrift store, and replaced them with plastic containers from the Dollar Tree store. I bought 5 sizes...large rectangular, medium round, small round, medium square and small square. This seems to take...
Jacket Potatoes Recipes
To me, a jacket potato is one that you wash instead of peel and boil (in its jacket) and then use for various recipes. I like to save money by buying large bags of potatoes. Ten pounds are much cheaper per pound than 5 pounds. Sometimes I cannot use them all...
Surge Protector vs. Power Strips
Another precaution along these lines is to make sure that the surge protector you use has a place to hook in your phone line. If you hook your phone from your computer into the phone jack and dont go through the surge protector, your computer can be damaged...
Recipes Using Canned Corn?
This is a simple, quick, and frugal recipe for Scalloped Corn. Leftovers heated in the microwave are also very tasty. (b)Scalloped Corn Casserole(/b) 2 eggs Salt and pepper to taste 1 can (15 ounce) cream-style corn 1 can (15 ounce) golden whole kernel corn...
Organizing and Using Leftovers
I always make a large pot of mashed potatoes when I make them for a meal. Then I pack the leftovers into ziplock bags...enough for one meal in each bag, flatten them to press all the air out, date and seal them and freeze them. To use them, just thaw and heat...
Modern Cooking With The Microwave
The things I like most to use the microwave for besides just heat and eat leftovers is 1. Bacon. Invest in one of those microwave bacon cookers. Mine is like a small platter with grids in the bottom. The bacon doesnt curl up as it cooks, and you can make it...
Liquid Sugar for Tea?
I have never made the sweetner for tea this way, but I have made a solution of sugar syrup for the hummingbirds. I use 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water for that, and whatever is left in the fall, I just leave in the back of my fridge and use in the spring and it...
Creating a Family Website?
You can create a family website on Yahoo. I have never done it myself, but members of my family have, and I dont believe it is too difficult. Harlean from Arkansas
Potato Recipes?
If you are not able to use the potatoes up fast enough, boil a panful until fork tender with the skins on. If you refrigerate them in an open container...no ziplock bags... they will keep for 2 or 3 weeks. Just use them for fried potatoes, pull the peelings...
Buying a Used Digital Camera?
I am still using the Sony Mavica 73 that I bought in 1999 and used when I was an eBay seller. I love it. It has 10X Zoom which allows you to take very close-up pictures for eBay items when necessary. I could take pictures of the engravings inside a ring with...
Buying a Used Digital Camera?
I think my post was misunderstood. I did not buy my camera on eBay. I bought it from BestBuy, an electronics store with a local store. I (b)used it to take the pictures of items that I sold on eBay(/b). I do not trust ebay sellers of electronic and computer...
Supermarket Mistakes
It really does pay to check your receipt. When I purchased my Thanksgiving Turkey last year, they had run out of the brand on sale, but had substituted another brand. I checked before I left the store to make sure that I got the sale price. I not only did (b...
How do you carry your checkbook?
I carry mine in a checkbook wallet. I seldom write a check anymore as I have a debit card that I can use as a debit or a credit card, and use it for most purchases. By carrying the checkbook wallet, I have slots for my drivers license, my Sams membership card...
Chicken with Garlic Cloves?
Thanks Sandy, That is the one that I was looking for. I, too, checked out the link, but had already been there before I asked for help. I am going to email it to my daughter in Utah...She will be tickled pink. I talked with her last nite and told her that I...
Recipes for Lent?
We eat fish several times a week for the Omega 3 that is beneficial for lowering cholesterol. Our favorite is Talapia that I fix on my George Forman type grill. Tilapia comes frozen...each in a separate sealed package. They are available in most any supermarket...
Lights That Will Fit in a Wine Bottle?
The Dollar stores have them at Christmas time....specifically the Dollar Tree chain of Dollar Stores. Most of these stores do (b)Clearance Sales(/b) after Christmas, but you might try contacting the store managers to see if they happen to have any in their...
Healthy Banana Bars (Diabetic and Low Cholesterol)
I just want to add a little more information on the Konsyl that is added for extra fiber. It is a trademark name for a fiber that is listed as Psyllium, and is rather expensive. There are other brands of this fiber that are cheaper, and the only difference...
Healthy Banana Bars (Diabetic and Low Cholesterol)
Ok folks, I am sorry it has taken me so long to get back here with the nutritional value of this recipe. I though it would be a quick and easy job since I own a copy of RecipeCalc that makes it easy to get this info just by entering the ingredients. However...
Poll: Do you use dryer sheets?
I dont use dryer sheets, but I do use a liquid fabric softener. I have been using out of the same bottle (200 fl. oz) of Snuggle for about 2 1/2 years now. I pour a pint into a quart jar and fill the jar with water. I then use this diluted mixture to saturate...
Giant Lima Beans Seeds?
If you want to save money on these seeds, there is an eBay store that has a 2 oz. package of Fordhook No. 242 (about 50 seeds) for 1.75 plus 1.25 for shipping. Most of the seed companies have very high shipping charges. If you would like to check these out...
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
We are on a low fat diet for health reasons, and although we dont have biscuits and gravy often, I have found a way to cut the saturated fat some. I use Jimmy Dean sausage also, but use the (b)lowfat (/b). It comes in a green label and has half the saturated...
GE 25865GE3 Cordless Phone Reviews?
I havent had any experience with the particular model that you mention, but I do have a GE cordless phone with one phone line and 2 handsets...one on the base, and the other in an additional charger. I have had it since May about 8 months, and the charger for...
Adhesive on Glass Blocks?
I would use lighter fluid and then wash with soapy water. Lighter fluid also works on paper products...for example, you receive mail in a bubble wrapper, and want to recycle the wrapper, but it has an adhesive address label on it. Just squirt a little lighter...
Tap Water Smells Like Eggs?
The odor is caused by minerals in your water. The egg smell is sulphur. If your dishes and clothes turn orange when you wash them, you have iron, also. This does not mean your water is bad or unsafe, but you should put a filter on your well, preferably between...
Milk Stains on a Stove?
My favorite thing to clean my stove top and oven is baking soda. Sprinkle it on the milk stain or any other stain or baked on food. Wet a paper towel and scrub the stain until it disappears. Rinse the area with clear water and then shine with a dry paper towel...
Blood Stains on Sheets?
I just wet bloodstains with cold water and rub them with a bar of soap. then rub the fabric together. Repeat until stain disappears and then launder as usual. Harlean from Arkansas
Harlean's Christmas Yard Art
Since I posted this, the website I had at that time no longer exists. The hosts took the site down, but you can find me now by going to YardArtByHarleanFromArkansas.com Just copy and paste into your browser. I will be adding a few new items in the near future...
Frosting Fudge?
This recipe is so easy that my husband made all the fudge this year with this recipe, trying many different combinations. We make homemade fudge and give to friends every year. The one that he made that is my favorite was with white chocolate chips, vanilla...
Frosting Fudge?
Sorry, I should have added to my post showing my decorated containers that I used the Microwave Fudge recipe that Cindy Beadlady and Gaildh2 posted below. Harlean from Arkansas
Healthy Ways to Cut Calories?
Always read the nutritional labels before you buy. And take note of what is called a serving Many products have a very unrealistic idea of what a serving is. And pay close attention to the saturated fat content. Buy canned fruits packed in juice instead of...
Update: Thriftyfun Knocked Out By Storms
I hadnt heard about your storms. I am sorry to hear that you were affected by it, but happy to know that nobody was hurt. Hope everything returns to normal for you by Christmas so you can celebrate the holiday in style. Harlean from Arkansas
Giving Cookies as Gifts?
You can find nice platters, baskets, and other containers at the Dollar Store for $1.00 each. Last year, I bought Dollar Store pizza pans, and found (also at the dollar store) some extra large ziplock bags that the pan fit into. Just add a pretty stick-on bow...
Cleaning Gas Stove Burner Plates?
The best thing I have found to clean the top of my stove and around the sealed burners is baking soda. Just sprinkle it onto the stove top and use a damp dishcloth to scrub it. Works better than cleanser and no scratches. Rinse well, and polish with a paper...
Question About Using Picasa?
I love Picasa for that very reason. I have many craft pictures saved on my computer, and sometimes I know that I have a particular picture, but cannot remember where I have it stored. So I just scroll through Picasa until I see it as a thumbnail, and it will...
Granny Square Afghan
I just now found time to check back for feedback on my projects. Thanks to all for the compliments, and to answer Nancy, Yes there are 8 rows of squares, 8 squares in a row. It is so easy to line it up and get it straight on our king size bed, as the overlap...
Quick Cooking Oatmeal?
You can use old fashioned oats in place of quick oats. Just run them a few seconds in your blender or food processor to chop them up a bit. Harlean from Arkansas
Keep Track of Rebates (Printable)
Also, make sure that you make and keep copies of everything that you send. The filled out form, the barcode, and the dated receipt. And be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter. Some of them will disqualify you if you dont follow the directions...
Receiving Local Paper Online
Youre lucky...our newspaper is available on line also, but except for obituaries and a few headlines, you can only read it on line if you subscribe to the paper. You have to have an online subscription or have a home delivery subscription. I usually dont read...
Making Homemade Sausage?
Here is a good basic recipe that I have used Country Sausage Ingredients: 2 pounds pork steaks, cut into 1 squares 1 pound pork fat, cut into 1 squares 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 2 tablespoons dried sage, crumbled or 2 tsp. rubbed sage 1 teaspoon...
Making a Paper Cube?
Here is a link where you can download the pattern to make a paper cube. It downloads and opens with Acrobat Reader. http://atozteacherstuff.com/pages/4263.shtml Harlean from Arkansas
Making a Soap Swan?
I hadnt thought about the Soap Swan for years. But I made them with my kids in the 60s... You are right, you start with a Dove Beauty Bar which was a curved oval shape, and a square of nylon net pulled up to gather at the back for the tail. Glue on sequins...
Making a Soap Swan?
Oh, and I forgot one other thing. If the swan doesnt want to sit up straight, put about 3 beads on the bottom. Just push a straight pin through them and space them as necessary. Harlean from Arkansas
Clean Kitchen Tips
I used to be the worlds worst at waking up to a sinkful of dishes. I made a New Year resolution 8 years ago to change this, and was so successful that I even wash late nite snack dishes before going to bed. I dont have a dishwasher, and dont think I need one...
Stuffing Envelope in the UK?
I cannot understand how the envelope stuffing jobs can be anything (u)but(/u) a scam. Just think logically. Most of them promise that they send you the list of names and addresses to use, the materials to put in the envelopes and the postage to mail them. If...
Freezer Bag Omelets
What a great idea for campers. Ill be passing this along to all my friends and family. And just the thing to let my great grandkids do for breakfast when they come to visit. I have a 5 year old great granddaughter who loves to help cook. Harlean from Arkansas
How do I remove work from a circular knifty knitter?
Here is what it says in a booklet that I bought at Walmart for about a dollar. To finish off a flat piece of knitting, use a large crochet hook and take first loop off, then single crochet, using the yarn that you are knitting with. Keep it very loose. Continue...
Wooden Reindeer With a Red Nose Light?
We make reindeer on a post We drill a hole in the face of the deer and place a light through the hole. We buy a plastic Christmas Candle (electric) that is usually available at the Dollar Store during the holiday season. Break the plastic candle off the bulb...
Canister for Vacuum Packaging?
I have the foodsaver vacuum canisters in several sizes and use them a lot. I dont have good luck with the bags, however. But the large canister is great for storing chopped lettuce. I place a folded dry paper towel in the bottom. chop the lettuce, or shred...
Attaching Seeds to Planting Paper
I have never planted flower seeds on paper, but I used the toilet paper with white glue method when I planted my carrots this year. The seeds are so tiny that they are hard to sow by hand. I just dipped a toothpick in white glue, and picked up a seed and deposited...
Looking for Purple Satin Christmas Balls?
If you cant find Purple Satin Balls ( which I expect you are going to crochet a red cover for) perhaps you could buy red satin and crochet a purple cover. Red satin is easier to find. Harlean from Arkansas
Homemade Wall Art?
If you really like what you see on the decorating shows, but just have trouble remembering the steps, you could pop in a video tape and then use it to follow along step by step at your own pace later. Harlean from Arkansas
Lake Moultrie Sunset (South Carolina)
This is a very beautiful sunset. If you dont mind, I would like to borrow it to use as wallpaper on my desktop. I love to change from time to time. Have had my Great Granddaughters picture there for several months now and ready for a change. Will update again...
Poll: Are produce prices higher than normal in your area?
Yes, it has been higher all summer. And lots of the produce has been poor quality. Thank goodness we have a garden space, and had all the cukes we wanted and gave many away to friends. Also had home grown cabbage, tomatoes, green beans, green onions, and okra...
Flower Bed Okra Plants
I would be very happy to post my source...not a business but an 85 year old gentleman who developed this seed, and he would be thrilled to send you seed packets. They are very inexpensive. Send $2.00 for each packet of about 50-65 seeds. I am sure he would...
Flower Bed Okra Plants
For the guest from Vermont....I am not sure if your growing season is long enough...I know that it takes about 75 days to produce. Mine that are pictured were planted in early June. Once it starts producing, it will continue to produce until frost, if you keep...
How Do I Get Duct Tape Off A Car?
Howdy Neighbor, I am from HS Arkansas, also. Lighter fluid works well, too. Removes all the sticky, then rinse and wipe. Harlean from Arkansas
Flower Bed Okra Plants
Hi Lynda, Sorry I am so late to answer your question...have not been back to check feeback for a while. I dont think they are genetically modified, as Mr. Hopper developed them about 20 years ago, and I dont know if that was done then. I know that he told me...
Recipes Using Powdered Milk?
You could use it to make a copycat recipe for Eagle Brand Condensed Milk. You can find recipes to use this by going to Google and typing in Eagle Brand Recipes... Condensed Milk (Like Eagle Brand) In your blender, mix together 2 1/4 cups milk powder, 1/4 cup...
When Are Figs Ripe?
At last, my figs are beginning to ripen. We found a couple a few days ago that were ripe, and there are a few more almost ready. So I guess we will have figs to eat this year. Harlean from Arkansas
Canning Refrigerator Pickles?
I am not sure just what you mean by refrigerator pickles. I make fresh cucumber and onion pickles to put in the fridge by mixing up 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups water and add sugar to taste....start with 1/2 cup. These will keep in the refrigerator indefinitely...
Homemade Gift Ideas for Boys?
How about a Marshmallow Gun made from PVCpipe? These are popular items at craft shows. You can find instructions, complete with photos at http://pack002.com/how_to_marshmellow_gun.php or just Google Marshmallow Gun and there are several sites with instructions...
Saving Money at Krogers on Gas
You also can save 3¢ off each gallon of gas you buy from Kroger with the same card you use for special sale purchases in the store. And at the Kroger stores here (in Hot Springs, Arkansas), the $100 monthly purchase gets you one fill up at the 10 Cent discount...
Wildlife in the Backyard
Here is an update to this submission. The Doe has made several visits since the initial one. And here is a picture of the visit last Thursday (7/6) when she brought her baby along. I (b)love(/b) my backyard sanctuary. Harlean from Arkansas
