April 5, 2011

Spinach CalzonesPreheat oven to 425 degrees F. Prepare hot roll mix according to package directions except omitting egg and margarine and add in 1 1/4 cup hot water and 2 olive oil to flour and yeast mixture.

 

Hunter's Stew (Polish Bigos)Hearty heart-warming comfort food. Can be cooked on the stove or in a slow-cooker. Serve with good rye bread. The secret of Bigos is that it gets better as it's reheated. The more it is heated the better it gets. Also a great make-ahead meal.

 

Parmesan BiscuitsPreheat oven to 400 degrees F. Melt margarine in baking pan in oven. Sprinkle cheese over margarine. Separate biscuits. Place in pan, turning to coat both sides.

 

Garlic and Balsamic Vinegar AsparagusIf fresh thin asparagus spears are not available, you can substitute with larger spears; but first blanch for one minute, give an ice bath, pat dry and then proceed to saute.

 

Apple Pie Coffee CakeSet aside 1 tablespoon cake mix and 1 1/2 cups pie filling. In a mixing bowl, combine eggs, sour cream, water, oil, extract and remaining cake mix and pie filling.

 

Chocolate-Cherry DelightReserve 1/4 cup cookie crumbs. Combine remaining cookie crumbs with margarine in large bowl and mix well. Press over bottom of 9x13 inch dish. Chill for 10-15 minutes.

 

Pineapple-Braised Pork ChopCook pork and onions. When almost done, remove from pan. Mix remaining ingredients into pan and cook. Replace chops and onions into pan and cook 5 minutes flipping 3 times to coat both sides.

 

Baked Honey FishSprinkle fish with salt and pepper. Mix egg yolk, honey, garlic and soy sauce. Roll fillets in mixture. Place in buttered baking dish with lid. Dot generously with butter.

 

Help For Your Garden HoseWhen it comes to watering garden plants, fancy irrigation systems are nice, but most of us still rely on Mother Nature, and a good old-fashioned garden hose to deliver the goods.

 

Save Embellishments Before Tossing Old ClothesWhen throwing out old clothing that is too stained or worn for donation, check them for nice buttons, lace, shoulder pads, and other embellishments. You can often use these to redesign other clothing items for a brand new look!

 

Bleach to Clean Hard SurfacesA 22 oz. bottle of Clorox Spray Cleaner for hard surfaces costs about $3.00 per bottle. If you check the ingredients list, it will indicate 1% sodium hypochlorite (aka bleach) and 99% H20 (aka water).

 

Home Remedies for DermatitisI was told by my doctor that I had dermatitis. It's only on the sides of my nose, but it is a pain to keep under control. I stopped using the prescribed creams and looked for something more natural.

 

Planting Tomatoes DeepWhen planting tomato plants, especially tall leggy plants, in a very windy area, dig a deep hole, about twice the size of your plant and at least a shovel width wide.

 

Cleaning a Glass ChandelierHere is a easy, quick, and mess free way to clean a chandelier. First, put some old towels or other rags on the floor or table under the chandelier, then spread several layers of newspaper over the towels.

 

Rascal (Parrot)This my "Quaker Parakeet" or Parrot, whose name is Rascal. He's 2 1/2 years old and loves to talk. He plays in the water and has a favorite toy, a rubber ducky. Rascal provides surprises and entertainment every day.

 

Color Code Your Towels For CleaningI use a color coded system for my washcloths and towels to keep them purposed for their task. No labeling required, except for the containers I put them in.

 

My Frugal Life: Reuse CreativelyCreativity is important to living frugally. Before you go out and buy something, ask yourself "What can I use that I already have?", "What do I have that needs to be used up?", and "What can I make out of what I have?"

 

Dyed Coffee Filter WreathThis colorful wreath is made from coffee filters that have been dyed with food coloring.

 

Leave Yourself RemindersWhether it's an appointment, errand, or groceries, I have 2 simple ways to remember it. I have a small chalkboard in the kitchen where I write reminders and find myself glancing at it automatically several times a day.

 

Dealing With A Protective Dog At HomeOur dog, Honey, is very protective when strangers come to the door, especially repair or delivery people. We usually put her in the back yard or a bedroom and then listen to her bark her head off until the person leaves.

 

Wear Leg Weights While CleaningWhether you are cleaning house or just lounging, wear wrist and ankle weights for mild exercise.

 

Uses for Detergent Bottle Caps?What can you use detergent bottle caps for?

 

Washer Does Not Agitate or Spin?Why does my Kenmore washer fill with water, but won't do anything else?

 

Planting a Garden in Old Tires?Old tire gardening again, not getting much feedback yet. I thought of using a pool liner, but after looking up PVC I decided the rubber might be safer. But I just might do heavy aluminum foil. It is not very tough, but you don't have to touch it after placing.

 

Experiences With Canine IMHA (Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia)?My beautiful dog, Bea passed away yesterday from a horrible illness called IMHA - Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. I am devastated.If anyone else out there has any experiences with this disease I would like to hear your story.Bea's photo was posted on Thriftyfun in 2007.

 

Suggestions for Brightening Up a Dark Apartment?We are moving into an apartment that is very dungeon looking. What is a good way to brighten up the space? I don't want a white living room because I am doing my kitchen in bright white. Any suggestions on painting, lighting, or decor would be greatly appreciated.

 

Decorating a Girl's Bedroom with a Nickle Headboard?What color goes well with nickel headboard? I am interested in suggestions for the walls and bedding. I am not good with colors. This is for a 9 year old girl.

 

Smoke Alarms Won't Shut Off?When you have put new batteries in your electric smoke alarms and they won't quit beeping who do you call for a problem like this? Or what can you do?

 

Making a Prayer Shawl on a Knifty Knitter Long Loom?I am making a prayer shawl on a Knifty Knitter using a long loom. I could not find a pattern for a prayer shawl. Do you have any suggestions? I have cerebral palsy. I have been making hats for about a year.

 

Paint Color Advice for a Bathroom With a Cherry Vanity?What paint color can I use for a small guest bathroom with a cherry wood vanity, mirror, and light fixture?

 

What Are the Disadvantages of Using Store Brands?What are the disadvantages of using store brand products?

 

What is a Chili Brick for Use in a Dip Recipe?I was reading a tip on the recipes for chili dip and it stated to use half a chili brick. What's that? As I live in the U.K, I have never heard of it. Many thanks.

 

Caring for a Five Day Old Puppy?Can you help give me some info on how to know when a 5 day old puppy is hungry and when it is full? Also how regularly do I need to feed them? Thank you.

 

Making People and Animals from Tin Cans?Does anyone know about patterns for tin can people and animals?

 

Cleaning Heat Stains on a Gas Range?I have a Maytag gas range that is only two years old. When I cooked on high, the burners and surrounding area all turned brown and I can't get it cleaned off. Is there anyway to clean this? My stove looks terrible.

 

Smoke Smell on Belongings After a House Fire?How do I get the smoke smell out of dinnerware after a house fire?