Smelly Onions

Here's My Money Cruncher Household Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

I just got done making a dish that asked for onions, leaving my hands smelling like them, too!  I have the perfect solution to getting rid of the smell without costing a thing.  

Rub your hands around a silver spoon with soapy warm water.  I'll even wash some dirty silverware left over in my sink.  Might as well multi task while I'm at it.

Try smelling your hands and you'll find the odor is gone.

Hope you pass on this tip to anyone who may need it!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

The Corndog Wrapper

Here's My Money Cruncher Household Food Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

Yup!  I have another food tip...and an easy one that is!

Have you ever wondered how to make corndogs?

Purchase  any packaged hotdogs that you prefer.  While there, also pick up a can of cornbread breadsticks.  This can be found in the refrigerated section where you would also 

find biscuits, cookies, cinnamon rolls, etc.

Separate breadsticks and wrap each one around each hotdog.  Place each corndog on a baking

sheet and bake until golden brown.

This recipe is an awesome and easy alternative compared to the one that asks for more steps

and more ingredients.  I think you'll agree!

Try It!

Enjoy!

Carolyn Oronos

Wonton Kisses

Here's My Money Cruncher Household Food Tip!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

If you're thinking of putting together a nice little dessert that doesn't require a lot of time and effort, I suggest you try this one out.  This may seem a little unusual,  but I think your guests will

definitely appreciate it.

All you need it a package of wonton wrappers.  You can easily find them at any asian markets.  Also, a package of Hershey's Kisses, and some powdered sugar.  

Lay out wonton wrappers one by one, and place one chocolate kiss on center of each wrapper.  Bring together all four corners, covering chocolate.  You can use a dab of water to seal the corners.  

Deep fry and drain.  Sprinkle powdered sugar, and place on serving platter.

Simple and affordable!  

Enjoy!

Carolyn Oronos

The Healer

Here's My Money Cruncher Household Cold Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

These past few days have not been fun at all... My family and I caught some sort of "bug" (cold, that is).  I never heard so much moaning and groaning, coughing, and sneezing.  It's amazing how

bad a sore throat and fever can make you feel.  

Well, like all Mother's, my Mom has a tip that she guarantees to work for a sore throat and because this has been tried and true by me, I'd love to pass it on..

Fill a cup with lukewarm water and about a teaspoon of salt.  Stir until dissolved, and proceed

to gargle.  The more gargling you do, the better.  I do have to say, you will immediately see a difference even after your first try!  

With Mom's amazing cold tip,  you not only save money on regular medication, but also on gas.

Everyone I know has salt in their pantry, and just imagine trying to make that car trip to the

store while feeling crappy!

Well, wishing all of you the very best of health!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

The Two Ingredient Dish

Here's My Money Cruncher Household Food Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

A couple months ago, I came across a book in my local bookstore that was titled "Five Ingredient

Food Recipes."  It just dawned on me the other day that I'm the owner of a "Two Ingredient Recipe!"

Actually, I came up with this dish because my husband loves mushroom soup.  On those nights when he's craving for a little comfort food, this is the one and only request! 

What you'll need is a can of Campbell's Mushroom Soup.  (add more cans if you're feeding more

people).  Cut up into bite sized pieces about Three to Four boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Saute chicken until cooked through.  (pepper, garlic and onion powder can be added, it's up to

you).  Add the can of mushroom soup and can of water to the cooked chicken and blend well

until heated through.

It's that simple!  This dish can be served over rice or with garlic bread or just by itself.  If you're

in the mood to add more, I've put in canned green beans, canned mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli, and so forth.  

I hope this Money Cruncher Household Food Tip gives you an option for one of those busy

days when you're looking for something really simple and tasty to make!

Enjoy!

Carolyn Oronos

Gone Bananas

Here's  My Money Cruncher Household Food Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

My Daughter came home today to share her input on a dish she tried at a  Japanese Restaurant.  

She was told so many times before to try this dessert, but didn't have the opportunity until now.

Heck, she even took a picture of it!  After checking it out, my mind went Money Cruncher crazy!

The first thing I thought, anyone could do this, but definitely for  a lot less...

I'll  try my best to duplicate what I saw in the picture.  You won't be disappointed at how simple

and easy it is!  And the taste, according to her was awesome!

You will need to purchase a box of Tempura (usually found in the Asian section of any grocery

store, even Wal-Mart.  While there, pick up some bananas, whipped cream, and Hershey's chocolate syrup.

Before slicing and assembling, set aside a beautiful platter preferably a long rectangular one.

Prepare hot oil for frying, cut bananas into wheels, dip wheels into prepared Tempura batter.

(prepare batter according to package) Deep fry until golden and drain on paper towels.  Take

the drained bananas and assemble on platter in a single line down the middle.  On top of each

banana, place a tablespoon of whipped cream, and squeeze a little Hershey's chocolate syrup

on top of that.  The presentation should now resemble Sushi!

Boy, can't wait to try this one!  Send me your comments if you try it, too!

Until next time, I'll be searching for the next Money Cruncher Household Tip!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos 

The Money Cruncher Gift Idea

Here's My Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!

Posted By Carolyn Oronos

Of all the fond childhood memories I have, I would say my most favorite would be playing at the beach with my family.  We would go fishing, dig for sand crabs, and search for treasures!  Although, so many years have gone by, I feel very lucky to still call this place home.

I think for as long as my children could remember, I was always "treasure hunting" at the beach.

You wouldn't believe the unusual items I would find!  On one visit, I found a dried up root to a tree that looked like a horse! Also, I've come across interesting driftwood in all kinds of shapes, but best of all, the seashells are my all time favorite find.

About a couple years ago, I started creating art projects out of my seashells.  I started making

these projects not only because they were great Money Cruncher gift ideas, but I was able to 

share something that I loved with others.  I'm sure you'll find this tip very relaxing.

Search your house, yard sales, thrift stores for framed mirrors or picture frames in any size.

Gather your seashells that were found at the beach and attach with craft glue to the frame.  Wait 24 hours to let the glue dry before wrapping your handmade gift for that someone special!

Don't forget, Christmas is coming soon!  It's never to early to start Money Crunching and making your own gifts!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos 

  

Picture This (Part Two)

This is my Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!

Posted By, Carolyn Oronos

Before I begin, just want to say sorry for the blog right before this one.  I must have suffered some type of technical difficulty (we'll just blame it on that) because I only posted the title!

 That's why this one is Part Two! (Ha! Ha!)

As a born Money Cruncher, everyday seems to be an adventure!  I'm constantly trying to think of how to reuse items and always open to new and exciting ideas to put to use in my everyday life.

Decorating my house is a continuing process.  There are days when I feel like changing everything and other days I'm satisfied with how it all looks.  (I guess it depends what mood I'm in)

I'd say my Livingroom is pretty much complete.  The walls, though, are another story.  I know exactly what I want; I just haven't found it, or so I thought!

A few years back I gave my husband a Hawaiian shirt.  I picked it up from a thrift store in one of the towns I was visiting in Northern California.  The shirt was vintage and had a scene of a race track (something he's really into).  It's funny because he always wears Hawaiian shirts, but

the only one wearing this one was the closet!  Fortunately, with his blessing, I turned his shirt

into a piece of art (for my wall that is).

I used an old frame slightly smaller than the size of the shirt.  I took out the backing, and the old picture, and replaced it with the Hawaiian shirt that I wrapped around the old picture (remember-reuse)  I didn't want to show the side where the buttons were so I just turned it over and placed it back in the frame.  Before securing with the existing picture frame nails,  I took a little peek at the front of the frame and made sure the design was completely flat with

no kinks.  Being totally satisfied with how it looked I put the nails back in place.

If you could only see how well it turned out!  You would never believe the picture in the frame was really a shirt, and besides, it didn't cost a thing!

I really think this tip is worth trying!  Remember, I didn't cut, paste, or sew anything. I just stuck a cool old shirt in a frame and put it on my wall!

Come back again for more awesome tips from the Money Cruncher!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

Picture This

Household Tips

Friday

Sweet Tooth

Here's My Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!

Posted By, Carolyn Oronos

How many of you out there have said, "What's there to eat that's sweet?" I guarantee the answer would be, EVERYONE! In my
household that's usually a common everyday question, especially after dinner. Like most penny pinching Moms, I try to come up
with ideas that are simple, don't require a lot of time, and easy on the pocket book.

This is a simple and sweet recipe that you won't even have to write down! (unless if you have a really bad memory)

Purchase refrigerated Pillsbury Biscuits. Open, separate, and cut each biscuit into four pieces. Biscuits can be left whole, it just
depends how much simpler you want the steps to be, or how big the treat. Shape biscuits into balls or poke hole in the middle
of a whole biscuit. Deep fry dough until golden. Place deep fried donuts in a clean paper bag that has sugar and shake, shake,
shake! Use this method a few donuts at a time.

This, in my opinion, is the easiest and tastiest treat I ever made! I hope it be for you, too!

Come back for another tip from the Money Cruncher!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

Thursday

It Takes The Cake

Here's My Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!

Posted By, Carolyn Oronos

When my kids were little, homemade birthday cakes were always way better than store bought. Over the years, I've had plenty of
practice. There were times, though, when I've had to learn creative ways to cover up mistakes, especially the decorating part of it.

I learned this tip when I wasn't real comfortable doing free hand, piping the "happy birthday's" in frosting. First, trace a piece of
wax paper and cut it about the same size as the cake pan. Pipe the name and message onto the wax paper and put into the freezer. After about half an hour, you'll be able to loosen the frosting and slide it right off onto your cake by using a spatula.

The more practice you have at writing on the wax paper will eventually make you the Queen or King of cake decorating!

Hope this tip was useful and please come back again for another Money Cruncher Tip!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

Wednesday

Ginger To The Rescue

Here's My Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!

Posted By, Carolyn Oronos

A few years back, a team of my associates and I were invited to attend a fashion conference in San Francisco. We arrived a day before the event, allowing us to do a little sightseeing. Unfortunately, after having lunch at a restaurant, I got really sick; something definitely didn't agree with me.

I opted to spend the rest of the evening in bed, but one of my associates convinced me to join her for dinner. I had no appetite
but figured something warm in my belly would help somehow. The restaurant in our hotel offered a special soup for dinner.
It was some sort of carrot and ginger puree. The soup had a kick to it because it was a little spicy.

Almost immediately, I felt 100% better. My nausea and stomach gurgling was gone! Now, whenever I feel like my stomach is
unsettled, I make a point to search for anything that has ginger in it: Ginger Ale, ginger tea, ginger as an ingredient in my
cooking, whatever works.

Hope this tip will be helpful to anyone out there willing to try it!

Come back again!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos

Tuesday

Say No To Sewing

Here's my Money Crucher Household Tip of the Day!

Posted by, Carolyn Oronos

Before I begin, I have to say, sewing is definitely not a strength of mine. Heck, I think my own husband sews better than me!

In my younger days, my wardrobe was mostly sewn by my Mother. I remember sporting matching outfits with my two sisters,
and I have to say, it was pretty cute because I was just a baby.

Later on down the road, my oldest sister introduced me to Fusible Web. (I guess it was her way of saying I needed help) I found
it was the easiest way to hem pants without a needle.

What I usually do first is decide where I want the new hem to be, measure both legs making sure both hems will be the correct
length, and press with an iron. Fusible Web comes in different sizes, but for this job I use the one that looks like a roll of tape.
When a strip of Web is placed between the two pieces of fabric, running the hot iron over the hems will melt it. What you have
is a strong bond that can be washed without coming apart!

Hope this tip was helpful and come back again!

Warmly,

Carolyn

Monday

Stink Be Gone

Here's Your Money Cruncher Tip Of The Day!


Posted By, Carolyn Oronos


Most of us think that white distilled vinegar is used for mostly cooking or making salad dressings. Probably so, but there are other uses for it, too, and this one I'm really glad I learned.

All of us Moms and Dads out there know that when potty training our toddlers, it can be a little or a lot stressful. Mistakes happen (you know what I mean) and laundry seems to pile up faster. Lets just say the "stink" can be pretty bad. When urine
sets in the clothing, you can't help but want to just throw everything out! Unfortunately, not all of us can afford to buy a new
outfit for our little one everytime it gets soiled.

A really nice lady I met at my local laundromat shared this solution with me. She said to use a cup of vinegar and pour into the
wash. She wasn't real specific if I should do it before, during, or when the rinse cycle came up, so I just put it in during the
wash. I was real happy! The stink was gone, and the clothing felt softer.

Hope this was helpful. Come back again for another Money Cruncher Tip!

Warmly,

Carolyn Oronos