Fru-Gal Friends

Happy Mother's Day!!

Sun, 11 May 2008 16:11:02 GMT

Glitter Graphics & Comments

I love you all!!!

Your Avatar

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:22:26 GMT

Just thought I would start a thread about your avatar. Would you like to share what yours is?

Mine is of my 2 1/2 year old Pekingnese (dog). Most of the time he thinks he is human though. He is very protective of me and will try and eat anyone he is unfamiliar with. He doesn't like the car as he gets car sick. He loves to play with the kids. He cannot tolerate hot temperatures at all and prefers the cool temps. His name is Palmetto - Pal for short- as we went to South Carolina to get him

Craft/Food Challenge for March - St Patrick's Day or Easter

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:57:53 GMT

Are you ladies still interested in doing this challenge? We totally missed it in February! If so would someone like to head it? Let me know please!

Cheap thrills for May

Fri, 02 May 2008 02:21:37 GMT

I am happy today!!In my avatar is a picture of red senna mulch.The pile is about 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide.We picked it up for FREE today from freecycle.It is what was left from these people doing their yard.! Its enought to do the flower beds in the back yard! Totally free,,cant beat that!

Prices of gas.....getting worse?

Sun, 04 Mar 2007 15:46:42 GMT

Here in my neighborhood in Ohio,,gas seems to be going up.Hubby and I went to get gas last night,,had a 20.00 bill.Bought 2 sodas and gum and decided to put the rest in gas.Thats was 16.55.We were on E.

I wasnt thinking about the price of gas going up and told my husband "�t wont hold 16.55 of gas" The car is a 97 Geo Prizm.

Do you know it gave us a 1/2 tank!!!!!!!

Gas is 2.59 a gallon as of today.

Keeping your tires properly inflated will save your gas by 2 miles ...

Prayer for DH

Sun, 11 May 2008 06:56:30 GMT

I'd like to ask another favour of prayers for DH who is having hand surgery on Wednesday. The surgeon will be removing a foreign body which lodged in his hand several weeks ago at work and it only began troubling him more recently, surgery is the only way to remove it. I'll spend most of Wednesday at the hospital with him, driving him home again. I will also be taking DS for his post-surgery check-up on Tuesday (the day prior to DH) so will find out what else they'll have planned for him then ...

MAY ORGANIZING - The Garage/Shed

Fri, 02 May 2008 14:29:37 GMT

Sorry I'm a little late in starting this, I've been pre-occupied the last few days.

This month (May) we're spending on organizing a garage/shed.

Please post any helpful hints, ideas, links etc for everyone to share.

Makeup & Moisturizers

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:28:34 GMT

I was wondering if anyone uses the organic types. I've been reading a lot about these and am seriously thinking of switching over. The makeup and moisturizer I currently use is good, but very expensive. I only wear makeup once or twice a week, mostly on weekends, and I don't feel the money I'm spending is worth it.

I'm concerned about switching because I have sensitive skin, prone to dryness, breakouts and eczema. I've read the product literature and testimonials and it sounds like ...

Fresh Fruit Smoothies

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:52:12 GMT

Fresh Fruit Smoothies

4 cups frozen fruit (any combination* - chunked)

Non fat yogurt

Extract flavorings

Ice cubes

Fruit juices or water

This is the not a recipe! Let me say that right off. This is simply a list of possibilities. First, you must have a blender. The rest is up to you. My family began by experimenting with left-over fruit. I had prepared too much fruit for guests at a barbecue and I didn't want to

throw it away. I bagged the prepared fruit and froze it. A few days later, ...

Prayers for DS please

Thu, 01 May 2008 16:57:53 GMT

Ladies, can I please ask for the help of all your powerful praying for DS who had an accident at work this morning, we've been at the hospital all day, it's now after midnight and we're going back first thing in the morning, DS is still on a trolley in emergency as they had no ward beds.

He caught his hand in a drop saw and has lost most of the back portion of the top half of his right index finger, it's all gone down to the bone. They can't even repair anything as there's a huge chunk gone. ...

Grateful Thread week of 5/508

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:10:48 GMT

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stimulus check

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 02:38:05 GMT

If you are going to receive a stimulus check within the next few months,,choose what would apply to you and your family.

Possum pics.

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:52:23 GMT

I've added a few photos of some of the wild possums who visited us every night on the deck of our cabin over the last few evenings. They were so cute and had HUGE appetites. They were so friendly and looked so cute it's almost easy to forget they're wild animals. They had claws like needles (OUCH) and would clamber at your leg if you didn't feed them fast enough...lol. The youngest and smallest ones were adorable.

We also had a few wallabies (similar to a kangaroo but smaller) visit beneath ...

Vehicle security

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:04:05 GMT

Answer by ticking your selected choice.

Great frugal weightloss website

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:38:35 GMT

http://www.frugal.org.uk/weightloss.html

A Crash Course in Creative Frugality

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:41:49 GMT

A Crash Course in Creative Frugality

Maybe your family has been struggling recently due to an unexpected layoff or financial crisis. Maybe you're tired of debt and would like to get rid of it for good. Or maybe you would just like to put away more money for the future in the coming year.

Whatever the case, you can benefit from a crash course in creative frugality. Creative frugality is the art of using ingenuity and inventiveness in your efforts to economize. It's not merely saving ...

Close call...

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:35:12 GMT

My husband had an appt. with an eye surgeon this morning (a retina specialist)...and was told that his retina could detach at any minute and wants him to come back this afternoon for laser eye surgury....AND that they would work out a payment plan that we could afford!!! I must vent here ladies...we have been jumping through many administrative hoops to try to get help and kept running into brick walls....the Lions turned us away because we have no insurance, a local hospital that does this kind ...

Freebies

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:51:08 GMT

Heres a few sites to go to for a couple of free samples of laundry softner and detergent.

For a 2 load sample of Snuggle fabric softner(sorry skin,not available in Australia ) go here:

http://www.snuggle.com/promotions/blue-sparkle-with-fresh-release-sample.aspx

For a free sample of Tide with Dawn go to :

http://tidewithdawn.offerprocessingcenter.com/

Life savers....

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:04:04 GMT

Ladies, I was wondering if it might be helpful for those of us working on losing weight to list those food items that help us out when we are tempted to reach for those foods that are not so good for us......I have found these foods very helpful and keep them on hand as staples...

low fat string cheese

nonfat cottage cheese (I love canned mandarin oranges mixed up in the cheese)

nonfat sour cream and yogurt to put on baked potatoes

...

Hurry Up Meat Balls

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:22:04 GMT

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

2 tbsp. chopped onion

1 can tomato soup

Mix thoroughly all ingredients except tomato soup. Form into 12 balls; place in greased casserole. Pour soup over meat. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Baked Chicken

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:18:56 GMT

1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate,defrosted

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons honey, DIVIDED

1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange peel

1/2 teaspoon ginger

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons orange marmalade

orange, slices for garnish

Preheat oven to 400�.

Place chicken breast filets in square baking dish; combine orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, 2 Tbs honey, orange peel, and ginger; pour over chicken...turning to coat all sides. Let marinate ...

extra special Tuna gravy

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:13:56 GMT

My kids favorite meal while growing up was "tuna gravy"

it's basically the same thing recipe with a handful of grated cheese, a can of well drained tuna, a handful of frozen baby peas and a bit of cajun seasoning.

over toast points and sprinkled with paprika, it makes a pretty meal as well as being very easy, nutritious and inexpensive.

Tuna is a bit common but if you use a can of chicken (or fresh cooked chicken ), you can get away with serving the sauce in a lovely dish ...

Tuna Spaghetti

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:08:57 GMT

Tuna Spaghetti

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 bell pepper, diced

1 carrot, diced

1 stalk celery, diced

3 mushrooms, diced

1/2 c. flour based OR 1/3 c. cornstarch based Cream of Anything Soup mix

2 c. water + more for desired consistency

1/2 c. frozen peas

1 tbls. dried parsley

1 can tuna

1 c. grated cheese

spaghetti

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet add 1 1/2 c. water, onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and mushrooms. Bring to a boil and cook ...

Salmon Pattties

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:07:14 GMT

Salmon Patties

Can of Salmon,saving the juice

dried diced onion

1/2 sleeve of saltines crushes s

1 egg

salt & pepper

dash of old bay seasoning

Take the bones out of the salmon saving the juice.Mix everything up using the salmon juice too.Put it in the fridge and let it sit at least one hour.You can as long as you need and it is fine.make into patties.I get 7 out of this.Fry them over medium heat in olive oil and butter until golden brown on each side.They don't take long on each ...

NACHO STUFFED SHELLS

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:03:41 GMT

NACHO STUFFED SHELLS0.

12 ounces jumbo shells (32 to 36 shells) -- uncooked

3/4 pound ground beef

1 package taco seasoning mix

1 cup water

1 can (16-ounce) refried beans with chilies

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 cup mild, medium, or hot picante sauce

1 can (8-ounce) tomato sauce

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

Optional Garnishes:

grated cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole

Prepare pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, brown ...

Mothers Day video

Wed, 07 May 2008 01:00:22 GMT

Hello to the moms,,or those who arent moms yet and remember living with mom,,,this video on youtube is too cute and funny,,if you have 3 minutes to spare and have a smile put on your face,,this is a must to watch!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=arzdKNeO-NM

Really bummed

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:14:04 GMT

Well dh is opposed of me homeschooling Darin and Bailey next year so I guess they will continue on with the public school system. He said we can discuss it again after they leave elementary school. I have talked with the co-op director and have offered to teach on the days they have that even though my kids won't be attending. I am also telling our local community that I am available to homeschool their children if they can't. I have set up one class on Monday from 9-1 for kindergarten-1st grade ...

Cookbooks

Tue, 06 May 2008 14:34:27 GMT

Hi Ladies,

I've been de-cluttering my house and have two cookbooks that belonged to both my great-grandmother and grandmother. If anyone is interested in them, just PM me and I'll give you the details.

Another easy appetizer recipe

Tue, 06 May 2008 02:55:08 GMT

This is so easy but it sounds weird and tastes great. Grill hot Italian sausages on the grill or in a frying pan til done (don't pierce) cook slowly to reatain the juices. Cut into slices and drence with fresh lemons, just sqeeze cut lemons over them I use 2 lemons to 1 package of 6 sausages.

A numbing experience...

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:22:32 GMT

I think I have mentioned that I have a nerve problem in both of my feet...well it has progressed to the point where I have both pain and numbness now...something I didn't realize could happen at the same time I was afraid that this would keep me from power walking which has become very important to me and I was getting to the point where I wanted to try gentle running....the doctor who did a recent EMG test to determine nerve damage told me to go ahead and try running and showed me a particular ...

I lost part of my recipe

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:15:37 GMT

In organizing my recipes, I lost half of this recipe:

2 pkg cocktail weenies

1 bottle chili sauce

1 med. grape jelly

What's next? Any one have the rest of this recipe? I would appreciate it if you could post it. Thank you.

Looking for a recipe with Polish sausage

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:28:50 GMT

I have some polish sausge link thawing in the frige..was going to make it tonight but we ate out.The normal way I make it is just slice it like coin shapes,,layer that with a layer of kraut then a layer of potatoe slices.just layer this in a casserole dish ,,dollup some butter in it,,top with foil and bake.

I make it this way everytime we have it....everytime...needless to say we are burned out on it that way! I need a new recipe to try! Any ideas...................

Top Chef

Fri, 02 May 2008 03:05:28 GMT

Do any of you watch this reality series?

Last night's competition required the chef's to come up with a nutritious entree for a family of 4 for $10. It also had to be something easy for families to make and something that kids could help with. Anyway the chefs all had a "tween" aged child to help as a sous chef and they all had a blast. Some did better than others with the money. Personally I think all of you could have done this challenge easily and had money left over!

K-Love

Sun, 04 May 2008 06:20:32 GMT

Heres a site to go to if you like to listen to music while online.Its a Christian music station,,I think based in California.They play alot of the music like on the cds that Mmg sent to some of us.Its free to download the player,,it will tell you what to do when you click "listen live".

It has uplifting stories and postive encouragement and prayers right on the air.

My totally non-frugal vacation

Fri, 02 May 2008 04:50:51 GMT

I just got back from a totally non-frugal vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel and Universal Studios in Orlando, and aside from the company, I really didn't like it. It all started last year when I decide not to go on the annual family cruise this year, I was burnt out on all the kids (other peoples' not ours consumerism and waste. My cousins were disappointed and suggested I join them for the last portion of their vacation 5 days in Orlando. Foolishly, I never inquired about all the costs, I ...

please pray I find it!

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:24:40 GMT

I have lost some school papers I need...PLEASE pray that I find them!!!

Being cheap or practical?

Thu, 01 May 2008 01:00:51 GMT

Okay, I feel I'm being cheap...lol...although I have done this before a few times.

As I mentioned recently, our electric blanket 'kicked the bucket' and the shop refunded it, no problem.

It's been getting pretty chilly over recent nights and DH has kept hinting that we need a replacement as he's not fussed on the hot water bottle and finds using the blanket eases his 'aches and pains' more effectively.

Well, I shopped around yesterday and bought the best value for money one I could find.

BUT......

I ...

New Use For Listerine

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:37:17 GMT

New Use For Listerine

I was at a deck party awhile back, and the mosquitoes were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor

with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared.

The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around

my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as well. It

worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food

table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby.

I ...

Article: What if No One Was Fat (MSN.com)

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:45:36 GMT

This really opened up my eyes at how wasteful it is for me to be overweight...and how much I could save personally, as well as my employer (health insurance), etc.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/Advice/WhatIfNoOneWereFat.aspx

~M

Lasagna Sandwiches

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:45:52 GMT

Lasagna Sandwiches

1⁄4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped onion

1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano

1⁄4 teaspoon seasoned salt

8 slices Italian or other white bread

8 bacon strips, halved and cooked

8 slices tomato

4 slices mozzarella cheese

2 to 3 tablespoons butter or margarine

Combine the first four ingredients; spread

on four slices of bread. Top each with four bacon pieces, two tomato slices and a slice of cheese; top with remaining bread. In a skillet ...

Pecan Pancake Pizza

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:47:21 GMT

Pecan Pancake Pizza

2 cups pancake mix

2 eggs, beaten

1 3/4 cups milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon maple flavoring

3/4 cup granola cereal without raisins

3/4 cup pecan halves

Maple syrup, optional

Place pancake mix in a bowl. Combine the eggs, milk, oil and maple flavoring; add to pancake mix and mix well. Pour into a greased 14-inch pizza pan; sprinkle with granola and pecans. Bake at 425 degrees for 10�12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cut into ...

Please pray for success at interview.

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 03:38:31 GMT

I've just received a phone call to attend a job interview tomorrow morning @ 11a.m., for which I applied late on Monday.

I'm excited but nervous. It's Monday to Friday afternoons, no late nights or weekends! No heavy lifting which would be great for my sciatica flare-ups! It's also pretty close to home, approx. 5 - 10 minutes by car. I'd dearly love this interview to be successful, fingers crossed.

Please, please remember me in your prayers.

To My Secret Sis!

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:43:08 GMT

Thank you so much for thinking of me and praying for me. I can not tell you how much that means. I just love the two lovely cards you sent me recently, with the wonderful suprises inside. In fact they both came on days when I needed a bit of support and encouragement!!!

{{{Hugs}}}

Sugar Free Vanilla Coffee Creamer

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 02:01:15 GMT

3/4 cup non-dairy coffee creamer

3/4 cup sugar substitute like Sugar Twin, Splenda, etc.

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in blender and process until well combined. Place in jar, seal and label.

To use: Add 1-2 Tbsp. to fresh cup of coffee, stir well.

Easy Salisbury Steak & Gravy Recipe

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:49:59 GMT

Easy Salisbury Steak & Gravy Recipe

You need:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 roll crackers, crushed

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 egg

1 Tbsp minced dried onion (from spice aisle)

1 can Swanson beef broth

1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms

2 Tbsp flour

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, and crushed crackers (any type will do, from buttery to wheat crackers). Shape the groud beef into four oval patties and place in a skillet. Sprinkle the patties ...

Easy Monkey Bread

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:46:40 GMT

Easy Monkey Bread

* 1 package refrigerator bread sticks

* 1/4 cup sugar

* 1 Tbs. cinnamon

* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cooking Directions

Preheat oven to 350�F. Cut each piece of dough into 4

pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a

bowl. Dip each dough ball into butter and then into sugar

mixture. Place 4 dough balls into each of the cups of a muffin

tin. Bake 20 minutes, or until golden.

I cut my dough ...

Grateful Thread week of 4/28/08

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:45:37 GMT

"The best way for a person to have happy thoughts is to count his blessings and not his cash." --Author Unknown

Cheap thrills for APRIL

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:58:15 GMT

I reckon it's time to start off a new month

I'm not expecting to get many this month, unless it's household essentials related since that's all I'm allowed to buy on my 'no spend' month, not sure if I'll have many...we'll have to wait and see.

Weekly No Spend : April 28th - May 4th

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:58:47 GMT

Good luck ladies!

~M

APRIL ORGANIZING - The Bathroom

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 01:38:56 GMT

A new month's here which means our next organizing project. This month it's the BATHROOM.

Please post any tips/ideas/suggestions and also any progress throughout the month in order to help keep each other motivated