Dividing Up Your Ground Beef
We add 5 lbs of ground beef to three large chopped onions, and then cover just over the top with chicken stock. When it all cooks way down, we separate into four ziplock bags. The cooking in chicken stock adds so much flavor and keeps the meat really soft. You...
Being Thrifty vs. Your Time
I thank God for being raised up poorer than dirt. I learned so much from watching how Mama would cope. I can get a meal with very little money and sew and fix most things when they break or find a substitute. We were taught to use things up, reuse them, barter...
Jello Cookies
I am going to try these this weekend. I think lemon would be good. Although my DH loves orange, I may go with that. Cherry with chocolate chips? I am going to experiment. Thanks for the recipe.
Decorate a Vase Like a Doll
You could pull a piece of nylon stocking over it and paint on that or take a circle of muslim or white cotton and pull it over and gather at the bottom and then glue it in the bottle top.
Easing Aching Legs With Rubber Bands
Sounds worth a shot. Someone told me if you put soap in your bed, it would help too. As stupid as that sounds, it did help.
Pinesol As A Cat Pee Deterrent
Ive used vinegar, straight, not diluted. It will smell for a littel while but will disapear so you cant smell it but they can. If you use ammonia, it will attrack them back to the spot. Use vinegar, its safe and helps elimnate odor from the room while its at...
Great Potato Wedges
Both great ideas. If I have time I willl always go with the oven but when Im in a hurry, it is great to know I can do these in the mircro. Thanks guys. I have a fav mexican seasoning that will be good.
Sell Refreshments At Your Garage Sale
Corn dogs on a stick, cookies, choc chip not a good idea for kids though if it is hot. Oatmeal, raisin or sugar cookies may be better idea. Put a mixture of cheese crackers, fritos, vanilla wafers, little pretzels, that sort of thing in a bag. A handful of...
Grease Spots On Microwave?
I used a Magic eraser but it did take a little elbow grease. I will have to give the WD 40 a try.
Keeping Grocery Bags from Falling in Trash Cans
I just buy a size up for my trash can and pull the excess down the sides. That way it never slips down.
Organizing Serving Bowls, Platters, and Utensils
Now I wish I had thought of that. That would have been an even bigger help. I put all the things for a certain dish in separate places on the counter. I am always afraid I will forget to put in a critical ingredient so this helps me remember.
Scissor Sacks
I have been making these for a long time. It is amazing how pretty you can make them with different decorations. Just google, scissors, pot holder under images and you will see a lot of cute ideas. Yours is one of the prettiest I have seen. Now, I want to go...
Making Bouquets Sturdier in a Vase
I love this idea. I have clear marbles in a large clear vase with red tulips. It looks so clean and pretty. And they beauty is, you can just keep changing them and with every color flower and marble, the vase looks different. Dot forget silver marbles and white...
So Many Ways to Save
I think you could make a foil square into a round one. Just cut it into a circle and turn in the outside so it wont snag. Worth a try on studry things anyway. Im going to try it on blue jeans and work clothes.
Leather-Look Vase or Bottle
I used the paste type. It really looks good enough even for grown up vases. I did a small wooden box with this same treatment with the masking tape. It made it look like leather. So, dont limit this technique to just bottles.
My Frugal Life - A Fun Adventure
What a great story. I have been guilty of throwing out perfectly good things but most of the time, I try to get them to the Goodwill. We are on the very low end of the poverty scale I suppose but by making our own things, not eating out, and cutting way back...
Keeping My Dog Warm at Night?
We use to keep one of those heat lamps suspended above our dogs bed. Dont put it too close, leave plenty of room for your dog to move in and out of the bed, just low enough so your dog can feel the heat. This worked for us.
Pumpkin Substitution
I made a pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and substituted half the pumpkin with Persimmon Puree. My DH said it was the best he had ever ate. It was much lighter in flavor and he really liked it.
Pumpkin Substitution
I sure would like the recipe for the pumpkin candy or was those two ingredients all I need. I might try this with some of my persimmon puree. I usually drain it in a colander before I use it in a recipe, so this might work. Ill let you know.
My Frugal Life - Getting By
Wonderful story. I can relate to a lot of those things. We have dumpster dived and found lots of usable things. We hit thrift stores all the time for things we need. Most of my clothes come from eBAy or thrift stores. We had a veggie garden for a while until...
Heinz 57 Chicken?
Chicken LOrange 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast 2 Tbsp. butter 2 tsp. cornstarch 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup Heinz 57 Sauce 1/8 - 1/4 cup orange marmalade Slowly saute chicken in butter, approximately 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Mix cornstarch and...
Unbelievable Lemon Pie
Eagle brand milk is sweetned condensed milk. It is not the same as evaporated milk but you can probably find it on the same aisle as teh condensed milk. Bisquick is just a bisquit mix that already has the shortning and baking powder in it. You just add milk...
Secret for Delicious Meatballs
I never though about boiling my meatballs. Makes perfect sense. Thanks.
Removing Mark Left by Sticker?
Sprayed that sticker on my sewing table, the price sticker where we bought it at an auction, It was really on there, and left the oil on for about fifteen minutes, got one of those razor blade scraper, and it rolled right off. Thanks.
Enjoying Being Frugal
Great ideas. Even if you dont have space for a garden, you can grow tomatoes, peppers, and even some of the baby veggies in pots.
Body Odor Smell On Leather Chair?
Yes Hedi and in a world where the hubby doesnt come home dead tired that would be ideal. When we first got married my Husband worked as a sheetrock hanger and he was so exhausted when he got home. He just wanted to sit down and rest before a bath and supper...
Removing Body Odor Smell From Room?
Try striking some matches to temporarily kill the odor so yo can clean it. I would spray all fabric things with Febreze. Use baking soda on the floor over night and vac up in the morning. Wash down any vinyl with vinegar mixed with water. Stick fabric softener...
Craft Projects to do While Watching TV?
I make pincushions. There are so many cute pincushions you can make from many different things. Just type in pincuchion patterns free in google and look at all the cute things you bring up. http://tipnut.com/22-free-pincushion-patterns/ This link is only one...
My Frugal Life: The Itty Bitty RV Adventure
We full timed for three years in a 26 ft Diplomat. We sold our land and most of our things and just took off. My Husband worked along the way so it was not all fun and games. The first thing I learned was how to simply my wardrobe and get it down to just what...
How To Make Paper Beads
I love making these. I made over 40 bracelets for my family to give to them during our fourth of July get together. They all loved them. They look really good mixed with regular little round beads. My fav look is made from brown paper bags and then mix in with...
Recipes Using Cake Mix?
Large box Spice cake mix or any flavor you like. 15 oz pumpkin 1 cup chocolate chips Mix and bake in muffin tins for twenty minutes at 350. Just make sure they spring back when you touch them. Here is a link I found for cinnamon buns made from cake mix: http...
Grannie's Peach Dumplings
You lost me on roll dough into a spiral. Im not sure what that means. This sounds like a good dessert.
German Style Pork Roast With Sauerkraut and Potatoes (Crockpot)
This sounds great. I love pork so I will definitely try this.
Using Pre-Made Pie Crust For Dumplings?
I would think the piecrust would be too tender and cook apart. I use bisquit and cut them into quarters for dumplings. Some people use tortillas and just cut them in squares or strips and drop them in the boiling chicken broth.
Using Pre-Made Pie Crust For Dumplings?
Well I misread that one didnt I. You are not talking about dumplings in the sense of Southern chicken and dumplings but the Yankee type of Apple dumpling baked and cooked with a sauce arent you. I dont know why it would not work. After all, it is pie curst...
Use a Paper Towel Tube for Vacuuming
I love the clever ideas I get from this site. All the people on here are just smarter than the average bear. LOL.
Keeping Buns Warm in a Crockpot?
I like the idea of warming buns in a crock pot. Another idea is to use one of those casserole dishes that comes with the warming pad. You know, the kind that looks like a brief case and zips up.
Use a Hanging Towel in the Kitchen
I just use a regular towel rack in between my Fridge and the end of the counter. I still do dishes by hand unless its a Holiday, only two of us, so I can hand my dish cloth and a dish towel there. I get the smaller one, I think it is for hand towels, not the...
Chocolate Mint Cookies
Sounds great. I have the original recipe too. It just has melted chocolate, crackers and peppermint drops. Ill have to fool around with this one. I think orange would taste good in the fondant instead of mint.
Restore Paint Brushes With Vinegar
You dont say if this is for oil based paint or latex. I am guessing it is probably oil based paint though. I keep my brushes in the freezer if I am not through using them, and will need them the next day. I just put them in clingwrap and take them out of the...
"No Peel" Hard Boiled Eggs
I thought that was for getting the egg out of a shell from an egg that hadnt been cooked. Ill have to give it a try for boiled ones.
Try Tobacco String Instead of Crochet Thread
I am going to look for this. This is the first time I have heard of this. I love thread. : )
Bake a Few Potatoes Ahead
I didnt know you could freeze baked potatoes. I guess you can though because I buy all those double loaded frozen potatoes all the time. Thanks. Maybe I will try freezing my own double loaded, say bacon and cheese. Hmm. Nice to have those on hand. There are...
Satisfy Sweet Cravings With Dried Fruit
I love dried fruit. My fav is dried papaya or mangoes. I love prune bits too but you sure cant eat many of those or else you will spend a lot of time in the bathroom. I love raisins mixed with anything salty so I mix those little chex cereals mix, with a handful...
Recipes Using Ritz Crackers?
Girl Scout Thin Mints 1/2 lb Melting Chocolate baking chocolate OR Andrea chocolate with mint 2-3 drops peppermint extract 1 package Ritz cracker Directions 1 Melt Chocolate over low heat. 2 Add 2 to 3 drops of Peppermint oil. 3 You do not need alot so make...
Making Cake Mixes Taste Better
You can use fruit juice instead of the water too. I like to use pineapple in a coconut cake. Orange is good in a yellow cake.
Looking for Easy Low Calorie Recipes
Thanks. Those do look good. I would not have thought to look at the Pillsbury site. I equate them with baking and high calorie. Thanks. Soup to start a meal is something I had heard about but just never tried. This seems to be the meal but I think it is a good...
Looking for Easy Low Calorie Recipes
Wassrunk, thanks, that does sound very simple and easy to do. I love chicken, and I think that frozen carrot, onion, celery, broccoli, mix is really good, so I am going to do this for supper. I have convinced my DH that taking some thighs and breast and cutting...
Looking for Easy Low Calorie Recipes
Thanks crazylady. You know, I always forget about the name brand sites and the food chains like Winn-Dixie and Food Gaint. They all have recipes on their web sites. I love the internet. : ) I am so happy I joined this site. You guys rock!
Bugs in the Pancake Mix?
You have to be careful with things like granola bars too. It is best to keep any bar or cookie made from whole grains in the freezer or fridge. Even some cereals like corn chex, etc will get bugs. Always check before you cook or eat anything to do with grains...
Abused Dog with Separation Anxiety?
I dont know if you would want to do it, but we got another little dog to keep our sweetie company. That seemed to calm him down. He would still get anxious once in a while and run behind the couch when we were leaving, but his distructive behaviour of pulling...
Selling Empty Prescription Bottles?
You can cut the top and bottom off and make rings out of them, not for your finger, but rings to make mobiles or ornaments for a Christmas tree. Just glue little birds or something inside the rings after you spray them gold or silver, Add a hanger and hang...
Last of the Lettuce Soup
This is a lot like the end of garden soup, I make at the end of the season. I gather everything that is still in the garden, come in and chop it really fine and add it to chicken broth. And I mean anything that is left. Last year it was little green tomatoes...
Getting Rid of Ants With Vinegar?
I use the little ant motels. They are put out by the same company that makes the roach motels that work so well. Combat is the name of the company and you can find them in any home improvement store, grocery store, most dollar stores, or walmart. They are pretty...
Substitute Cheezits for Ritz Crackers in Casserole
Wow, that is a great idea. I usually use saltines in place of ritz, but now I have another option.
What Breed is My Dog?
That is the sweetest looking little face. I just love him. My Mama used to say about a dog with mixed breeds in him, He is a Heinz 57 breed..LOL...after the steak sauce. Yours doesnt look mixed though. He looks almost exactly like Scooby. Both are beautiuful...
Paper Bead Roller Tool (Bead Crafter)?
Etsy sells them. They have several sellers on there. I always use a nail. The beads dont stick and you can get any size you need.
Juice Can Lid Wind Chimes
I love, love this idea. It is great looking, cheap, and easy. Right up my alley. And the great thing is, you cant tell it has such common beginnings.
Bubba's Chicken
I love this idea and thanks for the tip about he pickle buckets. My DH has a large grill which he doesnt get to use for the whole top very often. He will love this. Jane Mae. She tells you to baste every five minutes with the marinade. I also think the mop...
Making EZ Stretchable Hair Combs
That is a good idea. I love the combs. They can change so so hair into a hairstyle in just a second. Irisbird. What a great idea using necktie ends for scrunchies. That would save a lot of time and they will be so pretty. Most ties are silk anyway so thats...
Fancy Pudding Dessert
I forgot to say the sour cream is the low calorie kind. I left out our favorite which is use sugar free banana pudding, put a couple of vanilla wafers in little round dessert dish, add the pudding, add some sliced banana and top with Kool whip.
Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad?
I large tomato 1 medium cucumber I small purple or Vidalia onion Chop up tomato into slices, slice the cuke into rings and slice the onion into rings. Put all together in plastic container with lid. Now add one TBS sugar and one TBS vinegar. I just use apple...
Recipes Using Chicken Drumsticks?
I like to dip them in flour, then in egg wash that has a little mustard added to it, leave our the yolks, it gets crisper that way, then dip in bread crumbs. Pop in over on a wire rack for about twenty minutes. Of course, the time depends on how big your leg...
Ladybug Bowling Ball
When I put the pic on the eyes were moving. I guess it didnt show up animated. Thats good. I didnt want them to move. A freind made them move as a joke. It was cute!
White Pie
I couldnt copy that fast enough. Thank you so much. I had one like this years ago but lost it. Around the Holidays, I add cranberry sauce to the filling. It makes a great Holiday pie.
Princess (Sheltie Mix)
She is beautiful. I got my beautiuful Solo, a likttle mixed breed dog from shelter fourteen years ago. We just lost her in February. She brought so much fun and joy to our lives. Hang on tight to her and give her a kiss for me. You are blesses as is she.
Pierogie Recipes?
Thank you all so very much. I didnt know these were Menonite. I somehow got it in my mind they were Polish. Thank you all so much. I am trying that first one tomorrow for lunch.
Pre-Cook Onions in the Microwave
Yes, yes, this is a great tip. I sometimes want a few cooked onions for a sandwich but dont want to drag out a skillet. Thanks.
Pierogie Recipes?
Lena, that doesnt sound strange at all. I use molasses and soy together in my BBQ sauce. I am putting that recipe in my files for the real thing. It doesnt sound any harder than my rolled dumpling recipe. Wow tons? Now I always have those on hand. My DH uses...
Pierogie Recipes?
So many great ways to fix these. Thank you. Not only am I going to try the suggestions but it has inspired me to try a few things on my own. I remember growing up, my Mama put cream of mushroom soup over chicken and baked it. Ill bet a can of Chili would taste...
Mash and Freeze Sale Potatoes
What a great idea. Also will come in handy when I have potatoes trying to get eyes on me. I can cook them up before I lose them. Hey, I guess you could add butter and garlic or butter and cheese to your potatoes before you freeze them and have fancy potoatoes...
Keeping Hot Wings Crispy?
Most wings are fried first, here in the South and then covered with sauce. Eventually they will get soft but if you eat them right away, they will stay crispy this way.
Nino (Yorkie/Poodle)
That looks so much like my little Tinker. You just dont get much cuter than this. And these little dogs are so loyal and loving and fun. Give Nino a hug from me.
Nino (Yorkie/Poodle)
I tried to rate, but it went to a page that wouldnt let me. Anyone else have this problem?
Urine Smell After Cleaning?
Once we bought a house that had a bad urine smell in it. I think it might have been from cats. We pulled out the walls and carpets but the odor was coming from the actual floor boards. We went to a Janitorial service and they sold us a bottle of something with...
Keeping Salt from Clumping in the Shaker
Yes, I do the same thing. I put a tsp of rice in the bottom of my shaker.
Butterscotch Bars
Hmm. This sound so good. I love butterscotch so I will get back to you when I make these. Maybe this week end. I lilke that it has all the things I normally have on hand.
Deluxe Pecan Pie
This is so timely. DH just came home with a pail of pecans he picked up. Bless his heart, he is even shelling them because I promied him a pie. I may make miniture pies. He likes those. This will work either way. Thanks.
Decorating a White Bathroom?
Get some green plants in there. And some botanical prints for the wall would be nice. Put out some cheerful guest soaps in a pretty dish in your favorite color. Match it with toothbrush holder, cup and soap dish. If you have room for a hanging basket, this...
Freshen Sheets Every Morning
I use to put the bath powder between the mattress pad and the bottom sheet. It does smell good but since Fabreeze came out, I use that when I have it. I am partial to Yankee candle clean linen air freshener, to spray around in the room at night. It may not...
Junior High Lemon Pie
Thanks, I will try this this Thanksgiving. I think this is like a recipe I use to have and lost. It was turned out perfect. : )
Using Basil?
My fav way is just to use the leaves like lettuce on tomato sandwiches. I also like to put sliced tomatoes on a plate, add some chopped basil and splash on some olive oil. Simple salad and so good. Anything wiith tomato is good with basil. I use it in stir...
Using Basil?
One thing I forgot to say. Once you plant the seed you will never have to buy it again. Just keep planting form those you dry. It is the easiest herb to grow and here on the Coast, it will grow all Summer if I keep the flower heads picked off, dont let it go...
Making Vegetarian Gravy?
Take 3 Tbsp. of oil and put in pan. Heat and add some mushrooms. Cook until light brown and remove. Add 3 Tbsp. of flour and stir until light brown. Add a can of Vegetable broth and put back your mushrooms. Cook down until as thick as you want. Add salt and...
Add Pumpkin Pie Spice to Coffee Grounds
This is a great idea. I can see where you could add cocoa powder to the grounds too. Or maybe a drop of rasberry flavoring along with the cocoa and you would have chocolate, raspberry coffee.
How to Fill a Holiday Stocking for Free
Congratulations on winning the contest. I was a poor kid too and we did get an apple and an orange in my stocking. We got a handful of walnuts, some hard candy, some peppermint sticks, some soft penny candy like tootsie rolls, spice drops. And a small toy like...
Scissor Pouch
This is a great idea. I think it would be cute if you just blanket stitched around it too. Love the idea of putting embroidery on it too.
Budget Friendly Theme Trees
Great ideas. You can make a wreath out of pinecones by using a strofoam ring and just wiring the cones to to the wreath. Spary paint the whole thing with white paint and them sprinkl gold glitter on top. It turen out really pretty and cheap and easy. You can...
Persimmon Pudding
Thank you so much for this recipe. I have a lot of puree from persimmons in my freezer. This is the most basic recipe I have seen so far. I will have to try it without plain flour, I only have sef rising but if I leave out the leavning items, I think it will...
Ways to Make Christmas Less Lonely and More Fun?
We are more or less alone although my DH has a big family. We use to get together but now that everyone is older, they have their own Christmas at their homes. We try to find a free activity like a singing Christmas Tree or a living Nativity. Last year we went...
Uses for Overripe Bananas?
Wonderful ideas. I freeze the whole banana too. My favorite way is in pancakes or muffins but I am going to try those puffs.
Never Fail Banana Bread
The great thing about a recipe like this, I have everything I need to make this most of the time. Thanks.
"5S" Your Way to an Organized Life
Although I use flylady.org as my go to place for staying organized, I am always interested in anything I might have missed. Getting organized can change your life and make it so much easier. Thanks.
3 or 4 Ingredient Recipes?
Yeah, like that! Thanks. Ill try this. Peanut butter cookies are one of our favorite cookies.
3 or 4 Ingredient Recipes?
Kaelle, that is fascinating. This is exactly what I am looking for. I knew there had to be people out there who had come up with formulas for cooking or easy to remember recipes. I have been using a cookie recipe for years based on ones. 1 stick butter 1 cup...
3 or 4 Ingredient Recipes?
Bonnielou...Ill look for that. I say if you can make a dish for supper with three ingrdients, why go to more trouble. Save those hours for cooking things you really like to cook. I do enjoy cooking but sometimes I love to have some no brainer dishes to make...
Selling Homemade Condiments?
You can usually get away with selling candy or homemade jams and jellies or even some bakery products like cupcakes or mufins if you are selling for a non profit such as a charity but they will probably stop you if you are out to make a profit. Better to know...
Maid Rites
This will be a great way to do my ground beef to put it up in freezer bags. Then when I get ready for a sandwich or a taco or whatever, there it is, thaw and add sauce. Thanks. I never thought of steaming my ground meat. Im not familiar with Maid Rites sandwiches...
Frozen Orange Juice Jelly
I havent tried this yet but I can see how it would work great and I imagine it is really good. I am going to make these as gifts. I love orange marrmalade so this has to taste good.
Hot Caramel Dumplings
I cant wait to try caramel dumplings. I make fruit juice dumplins a lot. I use fruit juice saved from cans of fruit I open and when I get enough, I make these. The juice should be put in a glass jar or plastic with lid but it will keep a couple of weeks as...
Scenery: Abandoned House
I have always been drawn to abandoned houses. I guess like everyone has said, it is the history in those old walls. Ill bet life was not easy for the people who lived here. It looks rural so they must have worked hard to make a living. IT doesnt mean they werent...
Use Matches for Room Deodorizing
Yes, they do clear the air of bad smells. I keep a box on the top of my toilet tank. Youd be amazed how many people learned this trick from their Grandmothers. I think my guests appreciate it and saves them embarrassment if they have to go. Some will use the...
Uses for Old Latex Gloves
I use the yellow ones that have the little raised surface to wipe cat hair off my dining room chairs. It works really great. Just put it on and wipe away. I dont know why it works but it does.
Cleaning Permanent Ink Off a Dry Erase Board?
How clever to figure that out. Ive done the same thing wth a sharpie but never thought to do that. That little smiley face stayed there for the duration of the board. : ) My DH has a bad habit of rubbing the message off with his hand, which of course makes...
Cheddar and Cornmeal Mini Dumplings
These sound wonderful. I think they would be good to use in place of tacos in taco soup.
Buying Cheap Milk?
I dont live in Texas but here on the Gulf Coast, we find the cheapest place is always Sams Club. So, if you have one in your area, you might want to check there.
Create Your Own Quick Bread
I am going to try this. I see someone already has so I am voting for you for the contest. I am thinking about trying mollases and Dr Pepper to see how it turns out. I will also add some dried fruit chopped fine too. Let you know how it turns out.
Removing Cooking Grease Spatters from Window Glass?
I have a greasy range hood. I am going to give both those ideas a try to see which one works better. Thanks.
Store Appliances in Pillowcases
Using the boxes is too late for me, but it is a good idea to remember for the future. I think using old pillowcases this way is a great idea. I have lots of them and was just getting to give them all away. Perhaps Ill keep a few to put on my appliances. It...
Uses for Plastic Cutting Mats
Love this idea. I have some of those wire shelves too. Now, that you have reminded to look at these in a different way, I am definitely going to get a pack of these the next time I am out. Thanks.
Store Sheets Inside Pillowcases
I have seen this tip around for years but never did it. So, of course this one is the one that counted for me. Im happy you won.
Use Unlit Incense to Scent a Room
I use to do this too but now I use the reeds with aroma oil. You dont have to light those either and if you turn them over once a week, they will scent for a long time.
Removing Grease Film on Ceiling Fan?
I agree. If we all would just add dusting our blinds and ceiling fans to our dusting routine we could avoid having to clean this items. But like everyone else, I forget and when it gets bad, I find the only thing that works, is Awesome, a cleaner from the dollar...
Frozen Graham Cracker Sandwiches
Good idea. I have thought about using frozen yoghurt but cool whip would be even better and making them low calorie is a very good idea.
Homemade Air Freshener
You can also add a capful of alcohol and it will do the same thing. It will also make the spray dry a little faster when it hits the air.
My Frugal Life: ThriftyFun Family
Im sorry your life has not been in the heart of a family the way you deserved. I had a few of those problems too but I feel I grew stronger and learned how to look after myself in a way I would never have at home. I learned to be frugal at an early age. I learned...
Bedding Color Advice for Bedroom With Grey Walls and Brown Carpet?
I think something in the peach or coral famly would be lovely.
Label Corner of Fitted Sheet
This is one of my duh moments. Why didnt I think of this myself. LOL. Voting for this tip. : )
