Prevent Electrical Fires

Winter time, it is cold and a lot of us pull out electric heaters. Our house has one bedroom that will not get warm at all. So, my son has to use a electric heater in there. I worry about it all of the time. We make sure it is unplugged when he isn't in there. Here are some other tips to help you stay safe.

Never overload a electrical receptacle with extension cords or adaptors to make it a three-way. If you need to plug in more items to a certain receptacle, use a power surge strip.

Never run the cords under carpets or rugs.

Never use an extension cord for a major appliance or any heat producing appliance.

Don't use a bulb that has more wattage than a lamp is rated to use. It can overheat.

Call an electrician if your lights flicker, if appliances run sluggishly, or you have a fuse that repeatedly blows or a breaker that trips often. Could be a sign of the system being overloaded.

Freshwater Fish Recipes

Freshwater Fish Recipes Made Simple - 99 Classic Recipes for the Homecook This was a free book at the time this post was written. Looking for simple and mouthwatering recipes for freshwater fish? A void has been filled with Freshwater Fish Recipes Made Simple by fisherman and best selling author, George T. Gregory. This cookbook covers a wide variety of fish pursued by the average recreational fisherman and easily prepared by the everyday cook. Recipes are included for: • Bass • Catfish • Crappies • Northern Pike • Trout • Salmon • Walleye Too many people simply resort to purchasing a store bought batter mix and frying their catch. Not only is this not always the healthiest choice but it also eliminates the numerous delicious alternative recipes available. George has accumulated a great variety of fish recipes over the years covering frying, baking, grilling,broiling, and soup preparations. This selection of recipes is sure to please the taste buds of you andyour family.

Leftovers Can Be Yummy!

Keep one of those couple gallon buckets from having ice cream around. Whenever you have leftover vegetables and meat. I usually try and just add leftover roast or steaks to mine when I have some. Put all of your leftover vegetables in this and keep it in the freezer. When it gets filled up take it out and thaw it. Add it to a can or 2 of tomato juice and you will have a yummy pot of vegetable soup!

Clean the bucket out and start over!

Christmas Gift Idea - Homemade Wooden Bead & Maze Toy

Little Ones love these so much. My Little Man still has his Wooden Bead & Wire Maze Roller Coaster that he got when he was about 2! He will not let me get rid of it for nothing. You can make one for a toddler that you know for very little money and very easy.

Use A piece of hardwood for the base. It can be any shape you want to make it. Drill 6 holes into the bottom of it that are the same size as your heavy gauge wire. The wire needs to have one end put into one side and secured on the bottom. Put some brightly colored wooden beads onto it and then twist it around , like a roller coaster or maze. Put it through one of the holes on the other side and secure it on the bottom. Repeat this with 2 more wires. Make it fun and twisty. Use bright colored wooden beads. Which come in all kind of styles! They even have some that are painted with the ABC's. Maybe put the child's name. That would be neat. A personalized, homemade gift. Something that will be loved.

Some Ways To Save At The Grocery Store

Just takes some strategy and organizing to find ways to save at the grocery store.

1. Bulk buying is a great way to stock up on things that you use a lot.  Purchase them when they are on sale. You get more items and it will carry you longer.

2.  Eliminate all non-nutritious foods, like soda, candy, junk food. Saves you a lot of money and is healthy for your family. We cut out soda in our house a year ago and don't miss it at all. I had some bad headaches when I stopped drinking coke, but it only lasted about a week. Now I feel better and it has saved a lot of money.

3. Eliminate any convenience type food. Single serve pudding cups etc.

4.  Choose the less expensive alternative. Generic brands are just as good as other brands and save you money.

5.  Buy marked down items. The deli in our local store always has bread, cookies, pies, etc marked down. Fill the freezer.

6.  Compare boxes for portion sizes and per portion cost. Etc

7. Prepare all of your meal from scratch. It doesn't take too much more time. Saves money and is better for the family.

8.  Eat more casseroles, soups, etc.

9.  Have a couple of meatless meals a week.

10. Waste nothing.