Green Bean Casserole Variation

Like the rest of America on Thanksgiving day, our family enjoys green bean casserole. We don't, however, enjoy it made the "classic" way. Here is our version, heavier on green beans & onions, that we make every year:You will need:1 can REGULAR (not reduced fat) cream of mushroom soup, any brand3/4 Cup whole milk or half-&-half2 dashes soy sauce2-4 dashes Worcestershire sauce1-2 pinches of kosher saltBlack pepper to taste2 cans "no salt added"...

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Super Simple Craberry Sauce

I would imagine most people crack open a can of cranberry sauce every Thanksgiving simply because they do not know how simple & delicious it is to make fresh & homemade. The recipe we use is so easy our first-grader can make it. (With supervision!)You will need:1 bag of cranberries from your produce section, rinsed & any broken fruit removed1 Cup of plain white sugar1 Cup of waterA splash of lemon or orange juiceBring just to a boil the...

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Less Than a Week from T-day!

Since Thanksgiving isn't really a meal you can just jump into, I prepare well in advance. And I make great use of my love of making charts & lists to keep my craziness organized.The first week of November I ask/bug all the family members what they'd like to see on the table this year, then I make a shopping list. 5-7 days from Thanksgiving I do my shopping. I like to beat the crowds & I also know that it will be the perfect timing in defrosting...

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Clean, Chemical-Free Floors

Try washing your vinyl or tiles floors with 1 cup vinegar mixed with a gallon of water, and your choice of essential oils.Not only will your floors be sparkling, but you won't have to worry about chemicals around pets and small childr...

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Recycled Containers

I love, love love the new Similac containers! Since the round canisters have been made out of cardboard instead of metal- there has been less you could do to re-use them. These new plastic ones are GREAT though...not only when you are using the formula (there is a spot for the scoop to go- no more searching!) but they have a spiffy hinged lid, and make great containers around the house when you are through with them.All you have to do is remove the...

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Hygiene Drive with Giveaway

Hygiene Drive with Giveaway- Re-post this on your blog. :)There are many people here in the USA that do not have the resources or money to purchase necessities such as hygiene products.This Christmas Beauty From the Earth will be sending Hygiene Kits out to the needy. These kits will be handed out to many men, women, and children who are not as fortunate as many of us.Last year we were only going to send them to homeless but we found that there are many people out there that can not afford the items that are not homeless. These may include mentally...

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Quick Tip: Frying

Here's a quick tip when frying foods, instead of using a lot of paper towels to drain the excess oil/shortening from your food, try placing it on a small roasting rack inside a pan.It is easy, and saves money and trees!Here you see draining frybread (on the left) and taco shells (rig...

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Make Your Own All Purpose Cleaner

Here's a nice recipe for an all purpose cleaner.You will need a 16 oz spray bottle.Put into it 2 Tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon borax.Add about 6 oz hot water, and swish around until the borax dissolves.Then add about 5 drops of dish washing detergent, and a couple drops of your choice of essential oils.Fill the bottle the rest of the way with wat...

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Super Easy Cheesecake Brownies

YUM! * 1-box Brownie mix * 8-ounces Cream cheese, softened * 2-tablespoons Butter, softened * 1-tablespoon Cornstarch * 1-can Sweetened condensed milk * 1-large Egg * 2-teaspoons VanillaPreheat oven to 350°. Prepare brownie mix as to package directions. Spread mixture into 9-13-inch pan lightly greased with cooking spray. Beat tegether cream cheese, butter and cornstarch in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually beat in the condensed milk, then beat...

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Dinner Re-Vamp: Chicken

You've made a gorgeous chicken, like the one here at Mrs. Suzie's blog, (pictured) but you have leftovers- what do you make? Here are 10 great meals to use up that leftover chicken, beyond the usual soup or casserole:1. Fried Rice- chicken cooked any way can be shredded or chopped and added to a variety of quick rice dishes.2. Chicken Quesadillas- grab your chicken, some tortillas, some cheese, and you've got an easy and satisfying meal.3. Pizza-...

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Great Smelling Linen Closets

Who has time to remember to use linen spray? Your closets can still smell fresh and clean everyday with these handy tips. Take a vented plastic bag and add little hand soaps, or leftovers of bar soaps. Hand in the closet for a fresh, and customizable scent. Hang up a dryer sheet for a week or two's worth of scent. For a more eco-friendly sheet, use an old wash cloth, and soak in fabric softener. Let dry, and hang, or place in your closet. With so many new fabric softener scents these days, the possibilities are almost unlimited. Fill a...

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