Frugal Friday

How many cleaners do you currently have under your kitchen and bathroom sinks? In years past, I would have many different types of cleaners for different jobs. I have discovered that plain, warm water will clean so many things. After all, water is the universal solvent! We have all hardwood flooring and tile in our home and when we built it, the manufacturers recommended no chemicals, just water. So I decided that this could be the case for many other cleaning jobs! I do use a soap scum cleaner in the bathrooms and some bleach in the kitchen sinks but that is pretty much it. This also saves a great amount on the grocery bill.

Frugal Friday

I so enjoy the foam handwashing soaps in all the fragrances and attractive bottles. However at $5-6 per bottle this can get expensive, especially when you cook 3 meals per day and a couple of snacks. I discovered a way to save a great deal of money. I use dishwashing liquid. For an 8 oz bottle, put 1 tablespoon of d/w liquid in the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water, gently swirl to mix well and there you have foaming handwashing soap. There are many fragrances to choose from. So the label doesn't necessarily match the contents, no big deal!

Great Pyranees

This is the greatest dog in the whole, wide world! His name is Boston and he is a Great Pyranees. He is the size of a small calf in stature but has a heart of a puppy. The breed originated in the Pyranees Mountains in France. They are used for guarding herds of sheep and have been used in war time. They have a thick undercoat which is used to make sweaters (I haven't tried this yet)and he has the most gorgeous black eyes.
They are protective by nature, possessing an unparalleled ferocity. This breed has been known to take on bears, yet are wonderful dogs for children. By the time he was six months old, he was protecting our home and farm and children. Their loving personalities are mysteriously compelling. The only flaw that I can find in him is that he is such a protective home body that taking him to the vet is a difficult task. It usually takes 2-3 of us to load him in the truck.

Frugal Friday (belated)

This is my favorite "after Christmas bargain". I purchased this comforter set, king comforter and 2 pillowshams for $12.00!!!! It was considered Holiday merchandise but I love the reds and greens and I plan to use it for awhile. The green suede pillow was $3.00 on clearance.

Did I mention that the comforter set came in this nice tote? I plan to take it apart and make a couple of window treatments. I need another snow day!!
The chair under the tote is a blue color, which did not match the comforter. I love the chair and so I pulled, out of my keepsake trunk, this creamy afghan made and gifted me by me sweet Nana. Voila'!!! A room makeover without painting or spending much money.

French Coconut Pie

This pie is to die for!! I could eat the entire pie and have actually come close. It is so easy and attractive when finished. However, if you are a calorie counter, you should put away the calculator because you do not even want to know. I entered this pie in the local county fair one year (1st place) and the extension agent figured the calories, fat, cholesterol and all those depressing facts. Let's just say, I did not keep the info! Try it, you will love it.

FRENCH COCONUT PIE

One unbaked pie crust (I like the deep dish)
1 stick margarine or butter (unsalted)
3 eggs
1 TBSP white vinegar
1 1/2 c. white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. coconut (I add a bit extra)

Soften (do not melt) the butter/margarine. Add eggs, sugar, vinegar, and vanilla. Wisk until well blended (I use my wisk attachment on the electric mixer). Add coconut and stir with spoon. Pour into crust and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden brown (around 45 minutes)

Let me know what you think!!

**I discovered powdered vanilla a couple of years back. It is the most wonderfuly thing! Use the same amount as liquid. I make a great amount of bakery icing for cakes and cupcakes and the powdered vanilla keeps it snow white and adds great flavor.