November 17, 2004

Keeping Guacamole From DarkeningYou can make guacamole ahead for use, today or several days later, by pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface. Make sure there are no air bubbles or a way for air to get to the top. Store in refrigerator.

 

Birthday And Anniversary Reminder ListIn addition to having a reminder a few days prior to the birthday or anniversary of a family member or friend, I also have a list on my computer, wordpad program.

 

Keep Good Records And Save ReceiptsTo keep all your records and receipts buy a good 4 drawer filing cabinet at a yard sale or thrift shop. This saves me a lot of time. When the IRS audited me, for 2 years back, I pulled out my bank file from 2 years ago.

 

Solar Window Heating Panel PlansHere in Colorado they are talking about our ulitilies going up by 25 percent. I don't know about you but I can't afford to pay more to heat my home. I have Fibromyalsia and to get cold can knock me off my feet for days at a time.

 

Hitting The Nail On The HeadTo hold a nail without hitting your fingers, put it between the tines of a fork!

 

Paper Cup Gobblers(These will make a parents crazy, but kids love them)

 

Christmas Wreath Using Preformed BowsI save the bows off my gifts to be frugal. Sometimes they get crushed and out shape in storage. Can't use them again? Oh I can!

 

Locate the Bargain BinsMost stores have reduced, marked down item bins. Always go there first when shopping early in the morning. You get the best of the bargains.

 

Frequent Thrift Stores For ClothingMany times they have a super sale like a bag of clothes for $5. I've bought new hooded sweatshirts for my granddaughter with 6 fitting in a bag. Recently, they had women's clothing for $.50 each.

 

Brown Sugar Icing- 2 cups brown sugar - 1 cup sour cream Boil together for 20 min. or until it forms a soft ball in cold water. Remove from heat. Beat until creamy enough to spread. By Anna

 

Perfect Cheeseballs for the HolidaysI prepare several at a time as the recipe can be doubled, wrap in air tight plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator and have them to use through the holidays. Also makes nice gifts for family and friends.

 

Parenting Joke - Very Good Advice!The best way to keep kids at home is to provide a pleasant home atmosphere.

 

Masculine Homemade Christmas GiftI've been racking my brain trying to think of something to give the uncles and older male cousins in our family for Christmas this year...so much so that I gave myself a headache. As I reached into the first aid kit in my desk to grab a individual dose packet of Advil, it hit me!

 

Looking for AOL CDs?Does anyone know where I can get a bunch of aol disks (or the likes) to use for craft projects? jlyn

 

Self Cleaning Oven TipWhen using a self cleaning oven, run the cycle directly after baking and take advantage of the built up heat already in the oven. By Lynn

 

Tomato Soup Instead of SauceUse Tomato Soup in place of tomato sauce in meat dishes. I use the soup with slices of onion on top of burgers, pork chops and chicken for a tasty change of pace.

 

Keeping Mashed Potatoes HotOnce you've mashed them, keep them on low, covered in a crockpot. Butter melts well on them. Delicious!