by BlondieWrites on January 14, 2010
Tighwad Group, Come Join!
I’ve recently been granted to take over the Tightwad group, a long time Yahoo tightwad living group.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tightwad
The group’s owner had disappeared long ago, leaving the group to spammers posting yucky stuff. I have deleted a lot of messages and hopefully got rid of all the nasty ones.
We are wanting to jump start the group again, bring it back to life, to what it was intended for… tightwad tips, frugal living, budgeting, freebies, and coupons. So I am asking my readers here to join up and share their freebies, tightwad tips, frugal recipes, coupons, etc. Basically any and everything that pertains to tightwad living.
The group posts are moderated to keep the icky spam out.
So come on and join and spread the word to your friends!
Tightwad
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tightwad
Popularity: 2% [?]
by BlondieWrites on November 27, 2009
by BlondieWrites on November 17, 2009
Turkeys are a well-known symbol of Thanksgiving. They’re a favorite subject of crafters who want to make Thanksgiving centerpieces and other decorations. And for kids, turkey projects provide a great opportunity to discuss the tradition of Thanksgiving.
This paper plate turkey is a craft that kids of all ages can do. Here’s how to make it.
What You Need
* Paper plate
* Brown crayon, colored pencil, marker or paint
* Construction paper in brown, red, orange and yellow
* White craft glue or glue stick
* Scissors
* Pencil
* Googly eyes
Instructions
1. Use the brown crayon, colored pencil, marker or paint to color bottom side of the plate brown. If using paint, let dry.
2. Draw an elongated oval or peanut shape on a piece of brown construction paper to make the turkey’s head and neck. Cut out and glue onto the center of the plate, with the top hanging over the edge.
3. Cut a triangle out of the yellow or orange construction paper for the beak, and a teardrop shape out of the red construction paper for the waddle. Cut legs and feet out of orange or yellow construction paper. Glue into place.
4. Glue on the googly eyes. Let dry.
5. Draw a feather shape on a piece of red, yellow or orange construction paper. Cut it out, and trace it onto construction paper in each of those three colors several times. Cut out all of the feathers you traced.
6. Turn the plate over and glue the feathers around the top and sides of the plate, placing the bottoms of them about an inch from the edge. Let dry.
Tips
* If you prefer, you could use craft feathers instead of cutting them out of construction paper. If you do, keep in mind that they will stick better with craft glue than they will with a glue stick.
* If you don’t have any googly eyes, cut some eyes out of white construction paper or card stock and draw black dots in the centers.
* No paper plates handy? Just cut a large circle out of brown construction paper for the body.
* You can convert this craft to make a peacock for a non-seasonal project. Just make the head and body blue instead of brown, omit the waddle, and use brightly colored feathers. For the spots on the feathers, kids can dip their thumbs in finger paint and stick them in random places.
* Stick a magnet on the back of your completed turkey and hang it on the refrigerator, tack it to the front door, or use string to hang it from the ceiling.
Popularity: 3% [?]
by BlondieWrites on November 17, 2009
Look in any home and garden publication a month or two before Thanksgiving, and you’ll see all sorts of elaborate table arrangements. Professional decorators go all out to create a veritable masterpiece. And if you check the prices on the items they use, you’ll often find that they spend several hundred (and often several thousand) dollars to get the table to look so nice.
How can the average person compete with that? Usually, we can’t. But we can make our Thanksgiving tables look great without paying an arm and a leg. Inexpensive items from the local discount store and things found in nature can be combined to create an elegant yet inexpensive frugal Thanksgiving table. Here are some pointers.
Linens
Tablecloths and napkins can be prohibitively expensive. But if you’re only using them on special occasions, you can get away with cheaper options. Dollar stores often carry lovely tablecloths at a fraction of the price you would pay at a high-end department store. They might not last as long as more expensive ones, but if cared for properly they will stay in good shape for several years.
You can find inexpensive cloth napkins at some dollar stores as well. Or you could check outlet stores for discontinued or slightly blemished napkins. You can often find deals on tablecloths there, too. If you’re good at sewing, you could even make your own co-ordinating tablecloth and napkins.
Centerpieces
A pretty centerpiece adds a nice touch to any table. For a frugal Thanksgiving, you can make one at very little cost with things found in nature. Mini pumpkins, squash and other fall veggies can be arranged with some nuts to make a yummy centerpiece. If you want, you could find an inexpensive cornucopia at your local craft store and put these items in it.
Fall flowers also make wonderful centerpieces. If you grow your own, simply pick some in various colors and arrange them in a vase. You’ll have a beautiful, fragrant centerpiece at no cost whatsoever.
Of course, there probably won’t be a whole lot of room on the table for a centerpiece by the time you put all of the food on it. If space is a concern, taper candles are a simple yet elegant alternative. You can find candleholders at discount stores at very reasonable prices. You could place some leaves or gourds around them if you want to do something a bit more elaborate without taking up too much room.
A beautiful Thanksgiving table isn’t necessary for enjoying all of that delicious food. But it certainly adds a nice touch to the holiday and lets your guests know that you value their company. With a little imagination, you can decorate the table and still have plenty of money to spend on dinner.
Popularity: 3% [?]
by BlondieWrites on November 17, 2009
When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we think of a big dinner with the family. Some of us cook that all day, create beautiful centerpieces for the table and deck our homes out in fall colors. Others bring a drink or a dish and join someone else in the family for dinner. Either way, we enjoy one another’s company and take advantage of the long weekend.
Family and food are certainly important parts of the Thanksgiving holiday. But there is more to Thanksgiving than that. The first Thanksgiving was all about giving thanks for the bountiful harvest, as well as for the other good things that we often take for granted. But that part is often forgotten in the hustle and bustle of putting together an event for the family.
If you want to put the “thanks” back in Thanksgiving, a little creativity can help. Starting a Thanksgiving journal is a great way to get everyone thinking about the many things they have to be grateful for. Such an occasion calls for an extra special hand-decorated journal. You can make one in a snap with a few scrapbooking supplies, and the kids can even help, making it a family effort. Here’s how to make your own Thanksgiving journal.
What You Need
* Composition journal
* Scrapbooking paper
* Glue stick
* Scissors
* Embellishments (ribbons, stickers, die cuts, etc.)
Instructions
1. Use the glue stick to apply a uniform coat of glue on the front cover of the journal. Do not put any glue on the spine, but make sure to get it all the way to each edge of the cover itself.
2. Place a piece of scrapbooking paper on top of the journal, up against the spine. Press down firmly and smooth so that there are no bubbles.
3. Open the cover of the journal, and cut the scrapbooking paper even with it.
4. Do the same thing with the back cover of the journal. You could use the same paper as you used on the front, or a co-ordinating solid color.
5. Add ribbon, stickers, die cuts or any other embellishments you like to the front cover of the journal. Let glue set well before using.
Now that you have a beautiful Thanksgiving journal, it’s time to put it to good use. When your guests arrive, or after dinner, ask each one of them to write down some things that they’re thankful for. You could also encourage them to share memories of past Thanksgivings if you like. Make sure they put their name at the top or bottom of the page. This will give you a keepsake to treasure for years to come.
Popularity: 2% [?]
by BlondieWrites on November 17, 2009
When it comes to getting organized, you can get there one of two ways – you can buy the most expensive items or you can choose the frugal route. There’s really no need to spend a large amount of money when there are at least ten cheap supplies to help you get organized.
1. Calendars – Calendars are the number one item for keeping family and yourself organized, at least as far as appointments are concerned. You can find calendars at dollar stores and discount stores, often for as little as $1.00. If you have your heart set on a particular calendar, wait a week or so after the new year and you could save as much as fifty percent.
2. Boxes – If you have a watertight location to store items, you may be able to save money organizing by using boxes that you get at grocery stores. There’s really no need to go out and spend money on boxes when you can get them for free.
3. Index cards – There are a number of ways you can use index cards when organizing; here are just a few: Shopping lists, goals, recipes, menu planning, frequently used telephone numbers, and to organize research.
4. Timers – Set your timer for fifteen minutes and spend that time de-cluttering, cleaning, or organizing. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done in a small amount of time if you work hard during that time.
5. Totes – Totes, or bins, come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in a variety of materials: wood, plastic, fabric, metal, or glass. Some have lids and some don’t. They vary in price, as well, but are great for storing and organizing.
6. Cereal boxes – Another free, or almost free, item. Cut off one corner of the box, cover with contact or wrapping paper, and use them for storing magazines. There’s no need to purchase magazine holders if you’re going to eat cereal anyhow.
7. File folders/Labels – What organized person doesn’t need an effective filing system for wayward papers? You don’t have to have a large filing system for it to work for you; plan on having just enough files to store and be able to locate important papers for finances, insurances, health, utilities, credit cards, warranties, or anything else you can think of.
8. Baskets – These are wonderful holders for so many objects. Crafts that you’re working on, wash cloths or towels in a bathroom, fruit, or any other number of things can be kept in baskets to help keep things neat and organized.
9. 3-Ring Binders – The 3-ring binder comes in a variety of widths to be able to hold different amounts of paper. If you don’t want to keep a filing cabinet in your home, you could have 3-ring binders for each category and store everything on a shelf instead. You can find great deals on these around back-to-school time.
10. Clipboards – These are an organizing powerhouse. You can use them for keeping up with to-do lists, shopping lists, and any number of other things requiring paper. They help corral papers, can hang on a wall, and yet are out in the open rather than tucked away in a filing cabinet.
You don’t have to spend a great deal of money to get organized. These ten cheap supplies will help you get organized and won’t break your budget. If you think about it, there are probably other items around your home that you can repurpose for organizing. Look around - you may be surprised at what you find.
Popularity: 2% [?]
by BlondieWrites on November 4, 2009
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Popularity: 2% [?]
by BlondieWrites on October 8, 2009
by BlondieWrites on October 6, 2009
Tuna casseroles are one of the most frugal dinners you can make. Most picky kids will eat them, and most picky husbands will too! Whenever you can’t think of something for dinner, you can bet you will probably have the ingredients on hand to make some of these all time favorites:
Classic Tuna Casserole
1 envelope chicken noodle soup mix
2 1/2 cups boiling water
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 can tuna
2 cups canned peas, drained
1/4 cup buttered bread crumbs
Pepper
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a small saucepan, combine soup mix and water; heat to boiling. In another saucepan, melt butter over low heat and blend in flour and pepper. Gradually stir in hot soup and cook until thickened. Add tuna and fold in peas. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake for about 15 minutes, until heated through.
Chopstick Tuna
1 can tuna, drained
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 cups chow mein noodles
1 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup almonds or cashews, chopped
Combine soup with 1/4 cup water. Add 1 cup chow mein noodles and remaining ingredients. Place in baking dish and spread rest of noodles on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Tuna Supper Casserole
1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach
1 can tuna, drained
1 small can sliced mushrooms (optional)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg, slightly beaten
Cook spinach according to directions on package. Drain well. Drain mushrooms, saving liquid. Add lemon juice and water to mushroom juice to make 1 cup liquid. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter, and blend in onion, flour, salt, pepper, and mushroom liquid. Cook, stirring, until smooth and thick. Beat sauce into egg, then add mushrooms. Arrange spinach in a casserole dish, then top with tuna. Pour sauce on top. Dot with 1 tablespoon butter and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Tuna Casserole
1 (16 oz.) carton cottage cheese
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 medium onion, chopped finely
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup sour cream
2 cans tuna
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups macaroni, cooked
Cheddar cheese, grated
Mix all ingredients except cheese together in a casserole dish and top with grated cheese. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 minutes.
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What’s for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. Creative Homemaking’s free recipe database also has more than 50 casserole recipes to choose from. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at www.creativehomemaking.com.
Popularity: 2% [?]
by BlondieWrites on October 6, 2009
Every year when the weather starts to get warmer, we like to plant a backyard garden. We enjoy planting a variety of lettuces, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, radishes, green peppers, tomatoes and onions. We look forward to harvesting time, just so we can create some wonderful summer salads.
To go along with our salads, we prefer to make our own homemade salad dressings. The following recipes are really easy to prepare and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Classic Blue Cheese
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup vinegar
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
4 ounces Blue cheese, crumbled
In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients until well blended. Stir in the crumbled Blue cheese. Pour mixture into a glass jar or pourable plastic container. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Creamy Buttermilk
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients together until well blended. Pour into a glass jar or pourable plastic container. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Classic Country French
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
1/2 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup salad oil
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients in the order listed. Mix until well blended. Pour mixture into a glass jar or pourable plastic container. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com
Shelly Hill enjoys gardening, cooking and baking for her family. You can visit Shelly’s recipe blog for additional recipes. Recipe Blog: wahmshelly.blogspot.com Web: my.tupperware.com/Ravish30
Popularity: 1% [?]
