October 18, 2010

Southern Gal BiscuitsSift flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cream of tartar into bowl. Add shortening to the flour mixture. Blend together until of cornmeal-like consistency. Pour milk into flour mixture slowly.

 

Delicious Fruit SaladBlend drained fruit and marshmallows with apricot pie filling. Just before serving, add apples and banana.

 

Haunted Forest PlatterFun for adult party or for kids! To make a haunted forest, first create trees. Cut bottoms from stalks of broccoli to make 6-inch broccoli trees. Slice beets about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick to make a base for broccoli trees.

 

Chicken FajitasI love fajitas! One day I got the craving, but didn't know how to flavor it. I set to Googling, read tons of recipes, then adapted them to my own recipe. Considering that the average adult woman needs 46g protein per day, this meal is superb for those on diets!

 

Brown Bag SandwichesSo I don't get bored with my brown bag sandwich lunches, I'm always on the lookout for something more than just cold cuts. These are some of my favorites.

 

Three Cheese SauceHomemade cheese sauce is so tasty and best yet, it's fresh and versatile! Use it as a sauce for steamed, baked or roasted veggies, as a pasta sauce, and even in baked dishes that call for store bought cheese sauces.

 

Halloween DrinkFun for Halloween. Add about a cup of applesauce into a blender. Add several drops of your choice of food color and blend until very smooth. Add more food color if necessary.

 

Natural Sore Throat RemediesCold and flu season is upon us so here are some good old fashioned home remedy standbys for sore throats.

 

Craft Project: Haunted House FramesHalloween frames to display my grandchildren's Halloween costumes. To showcase my grandsons' Halloween costumes, I take pictures and use the thumbnail pics. Pick a picture of something you like from a magazine or flyer of Halloween houses.

 

Oven Rack to Block Dog's Escape RouteWe have two small dogs. The smaller dog (terrier/poodle mix) can easily get out of the yard through a gap between the fence and the gate, so we had to do something for her safety. We took a small toaster oven rack and wired it to the gate.

 

Warm Halloween CostumesAs a child, I lived in rural Illinois. October there is cold. Sometimes it snows! The flimsy store-bought costumes leave everyone shivering. A warm costume is worth the effort.

 

Stopping the Itch from Chigger BitesIf you get a chigger bite, take a oatmeal bath. It really works. Thanks!

 

Get Medication Information from Your PharmacistI have been taking synthroid for several years. I also take a medication for blood pressure. For the sake of convenience I have been taking them first thing in the morning both at the same time.

 

Gemmah and Thor (Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler)Gemmah and Thor are both 12 weeks old and Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler mixes. I searched the net for weeks until I came across these babies. We got them about 2 weeks ago.

 

Apricot BlossomHere is a apricot blossom blooming in our backyard.

 

Repairing A Leaky Shower ValveThis is my version of how to repair a dripping or leaky Delta "Monitor 17" or these other similar tub or tub/shower valves. These instructions are for when the valve constantly drips out the spout or shower head night and day.

 

Magnets on Inside of Medicine CabinetTo make it easier to find frequently used items, glue small magnets to the walls of the medicine cabinet to hold nail files, cuticle scissors, clippers and other small metal objects.

 

Removing Musty Smell From BooksI have tried many different methods for trying to remove the smell from musty books, and this is the best I've found.

 

Bonzi (Cat)When I looked over towards my bedroom from my computer desk in the living room, I saw my black cat Bonzi peeking out from around the door. He was on our bed in the master bedroom.

 

Use Tissue Box To Store Plastic BagsI find that I can keep my miscellaneous small plastic bags that keep on coming in more or less in check by putting them into empty Kleenex boxes and putting them on a shelf. Much neater! And the boxes will really hold quite a few bags scrunched together.

 

Make Gift Tags from WallpaperWe bought a house that needed to be decorated, so we bought a ton of wallpaper. When we were finished we had 20 rolls left. My daughter and I decided to make gift cards out of the leftovers for every holiday and birthdays.

 

Canning Jar Covers from Fabric ScrapsSave scraps from sewing projects and make some fabric canning jar covers. These jars of honey will be added to 5 gift baskets.

 

Make Your Own Mineral Make-upHaving sensitive skin means I must wear mineral makeup; but at those prices, who can afford it? I've started saving loads of money by ordering the minerals and iron oxides myself from soap-making companies. This brings the cost down by 75%-90%!

 

Scenery: Painted Sky SunsetWe have gorgeous sunsets here. This one was taken out our front door. This one was so vivid pink I just had to capture it. The silhouetted trees add to the beauty.

 

Garden Organizer Bucket IdeaFour gallon square buckets fit inside five gallon round buckets. By putting the square one inside the round one, you have a center place for your potting soil and small spaces for the gardening implements and garden stakes.

 

Organizing Sewing Machine FeetI needed to have easy access to my sewing machine attachment presser feet. Since I've just acquired some of them, I realized I wouldn't use them if I didn't have them sorted out. So, I purchased a small plastic box with compartments at the thrift store.

 

My Frugal Life: Knit and NatterMy husband and I live a simple and frugal life in all the ways that we can. We grow our vegetables and fruit, and we keep hens. We jam, pickle, brew, and freeze for the less productive times of the year and always cook from scratch, never wasting anything.

 

Wildlife: Luna Moth CaterpillarI saw this is the garden this morning and had to go look it up to see what it was. It was so neat looking in the close up, I had to share. I came in the house for a little while and he was on his way.

 

Cleaning a Can OpenerTo clean and disinfect the wheel of a can opener, just use white vinegar and an old tooth brush. Dip the toothbrush in the vinegar and scrub clean. Swish in hot soapy water and rinse.

 

Scooter (Dachshund)Scooter is a 4 year old Dachshund. A few years ago we were given Dachshunds outside of a pet store. The owner was being relocated to another state and could not take the Dachshunds. Scooter was born to these dogs.

 

Frugal Laundry DetergentI go to Winn-Dixie and buy a box of 20-Mule-Team Borax washing powder and a box or Arm and Hammer washing powder. Next I go to Save A Lot and buy a bar of Zote bathing soap. Use 8 cups of each powder and grate-up the bar of soap, like cheese.

 

Craft: Watercolor (BooBoo on My Lap)This is a quick rendering of my cat, BooBoo, as he sits on my lap. I was lucky enough to have my watercolors and paper out. I use this picture as my profile picture on Facebook and like the comments I have received.

 

Reuse Food PackagingI save the wrappers the crackers come in, because they're a wax paper. I use them to wrap sandwiches for lunch and to wrap meat when I buy a large package of meat like chopped meat.

 

Scenery: King of the CastleMy 6 year old son playing at "Fort Fun." He climbed to the very top, and began looking around. When I snapped the picture, I knew I had a perfect shot. This one's going on my wall!

 

Draining Canned TomatoesInstead of draining tomatoes and other canned foods in a strainer, which I then have to wash, I punch a hole in the top of the can with a church-key can opener. It's easy and efficient.

 

Use RainX On Shower Doors?I've read the RainX suggestion for shower door cleaning. My question is this: the door is already cloudy and I can't seem to find something that will clear it up so I can use the RainX and not cover up "grime". Will the RainX clean up the "cloudy" door?

 

Shaping Eyebrows?How do I pluck my eyebrows without totally overdoing it?

 

Computer Is Running Slowly?My computer is very slow. It takes like 5 minutes just to get on Safari. How do I fix that?

 

How Can I Stop Biting My Nails?How do I keep from biting my nails?

 

"An All American Christmas" Themed Parade Float Ideas?I am needing some ideas for a float with the theme being "An All American Christmas". Please let me know if have any.

 

Removing Rust from an Iron Skillet?How do I clean a rusty iron skillet?

 

John Deere Riding Mower Won't Start?I have a John Deere that will not start. I purchased a new battery and it still will not start. It will start if I put jumper cables on it.

 

Reviving An Orchid Plant?My orchid plant has lost all the leaves and the flowers are drooping. How do I revive this plant? There was a lot of water oozing out of the leaves.

 

Can I Use Food Coloring in Acrylic Paint?Can I use food coloring in acrylic paint to help change the color a little?

 

Laundry Smells Bad After Washing?Sometimes I forget I have a load of wash in the washing machine that has begun to smell musty. How can I get rid of the smell that sometimes remains in the cloths even after washing them again?

 

Looking for a Good Carpet Cleaner for Old Carpet?I am renting a house with old worn carpets and everything seems to make them look worse. Within 48 hours of cleaning they look as though they've never been cleaned. I have tried dry cleaning, foam, and steam cleaning.

 

How Do I Freeze Eggplant?How can you freeze eggplant without ruining it?

 

Grandma's Tried and True Recipes ?To me, recipes from the 50's, 60's and 70's are best, just like Grandma use to make. Nothing fancy, just great tasting.

 

Crochet Christening Gown Has Yellowed?I have an antique crocheted christening gown that I need to carefully wash at home for my granddaughter. It has mildly yellowed with time. I will appreciate any help. It is all cotton.

 

Secure Site for Buying Tickets for College Football Games?What is a trusted site for buying Alabama vs. LSU college football tickets?

 

Removing Burnt Mark On Bottom Of Pan?How do you clean the burnt stuff that is piled on the bottom of a skillet?

 

Dishwasher Won't Drain?My water won't drain out of the dishwasher. Can I use CLR cleaner and if so where would I pour it and how much?

 

Removing Mildew from Books?How do I clean mildew on the outside and inside of books which have been stored?

 

Plants That Can Survive Near a Black Walnut Tree?I just had a black walnut tree cut down and the stump ground down, can you tell me what tree I can plant in it's place that would flower in the spring or summer? Can I plant a crape myrtle tree?

 

Refinishing Mahogany Furniture?I have a damaged patch on an old mahogany table caused by the seller dropping a nail polish removal patch on to the table top. It has stripped the polished finish down to the bare wood about 3 inches x 1 inch, elliptical in shape.

 

Removing Paint From a Wood Floor?I want to remove oil based paint from wood floors that it has been on for over 50 years. My father put white paint over many nails to keep them from popping up and then put a rug on the dark brown floor.

 

Cleaning Books?How do you clean and restore books (mostly first edition hardbacks) that have years of dust and nicotine on them?

 

12 Year Old Party Ideas?What's a good idea for a 12 year old daughter's party? She's very mature and so are her friends. Please help.

 

Ideas for Halloween Masquerade Party?I am in need of unique party ideas for a black carpet masquerade party event. I want to use different ideas with champagne glasses. I want it cute, classy, sexy, and elegant. The party is for Halloween.

 

Can I Refill a Lysol No Touch Soap Dispenser?Can you refill the Lysol battery operated dispenser without buying another bottle?

 

Cleaning Mold and Odor from a Velvet Lined Guitar Case?My guitar case which is made of plywood and lined with a gold rayon velvet was covered with mold after being in storage for about 4 years. It is mostly the outside of the case and inside the case at a few of the 90 degree angles, there are splotchy circles of mold.

 

Making a Photo Shadow Box?I am putting together a 16 inch x 20 inch shadow box with photos from several paddle wheel riverboats we have been on. Any ideas?

 

Skin Wounds on a Cat with FIV?I have a 10 month old kitten. While we were at the vet's my daughter mentioned that she had felt a lump in the middle of his back towards his tail. The vet looked and said that it was a cut that was healing, but to keep an eye on it and not to worry.

 

Preventing Dog from Digging Under Fences?I have two large dogs; one digs out and runs off and the other stays home. The one that runs off is a Lab mix. She digs out under the fence and runs away.

 

Treating an Allergic Reaction to Antibiotics?A dermatologist prescribed an antibiotic called Minocycline 100mg for a rash I have on my arms; something I've gotten into he thinks. I took it 2 times a day for 5 days and quit when I broke out in whelps under my clothes. It itches terribly.

 

Difficulty Keeping Ceramic Top Stove Clean?I have a new Bosch electric glass ceramic stove top. I feel like all I do is clean and clean it. I am not overly messy, but even the spray of water when boiling leaves marks on the stove.

 

Homemade Birthday Gift Ideas?My mom's birthday is next week and I have no money. What can I make her?

 

How Do You Make Papier Mache?How do you make paper mache using glue and water?

 

Removing Wallpaper?How do I strip plastic wallpaper?

 

Dog Gets Car Sick?I have a 2 yr. old female Yorkie that gets car sick. Any suggestions? Thank you.

 

Paint Color, Curtains, and Rug to Coordinate With New Couch?We just bought a new living room set. I've added a pic of the swatches. The living room isn't very big and there is not a lot of sunlight, so I want to put sheers in the windows. I need help on what color to paint the walls, color of curtains, and what color rug?

 

Dietary Recommendations for Treating a Dog's Yeast...We have a 10 pound Maltipoo puppy and we feed her Holistic Select which is wheat, soy, color, and preservative free. I am wondering if that is good enough. I have read that raw meat is better.

 

What Breed is My Dog?I got this pup, he is seven weeks old. His mum was American Staffy x and I have been told that his dad was Pit Bull. Does he look like one?

 

Substitute for Washing Soda?I'm making homemade laundry detergent, but can't find washing soda. What can I use instead?

 

Dog is Losing Hair?Why is my 15 month old Lurcher bitch losing hair on her front and rear legs? She has also started to lick her legs, no other part of her body is affected by this.

 

Removing Rust Stain from Slate Tile?How do you get a rust mark off of slate tile?

 

Cleaning Corroded Pennies?How do you clean "smooshed" pennies (so they are once again shiny)? You know the flattened pennies that you buy for 51cents at theme parks, museums, or rest stops, etc.?

 

Clumping Mascara?How can I keep my mascara from clumping?

 

Burnt Sugar in a Stainless Steel Pot?How do I clean burnt sugar from an All Clad pan? It is badly burnt.

 

Making Your Own Cheese?Has anyone here made their own cheeses? I found a bunch of various make it yourself cheese recipes on line that seem simple, but I have never tried any of them yet. Have any of you? If so which ones did you try and what recipes do you recommend?