Windshield Washer Fluid Recipe

Once you see how easy it is to make windshield washer fluid, you won't ever buy it again:

What You Need:

* White vinegar
* Water
* An empty milk jug or container
* A funnel

What You Do:

Combine equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, use the solution to fill your car's windshield washer fluid resevoir.

Why This Works:

The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves grime, bugs, sap and other windshield nuisances.
Benefits of Making Your Own Windshield Washer Fluid:

* inexpensive
* effective grime and bug remover
* environmentally-friendly
* helps to keep windows frost-free in the winter

Source: About.com Frugal Living

Homemade Car Cleaning Products

A clean car needn't clean out your wallet. Here are a bunch of car cleaner recipes for you to try:

Car Wash Solution

What You Need:

* A bucket of water
* Liquid castile soap

Add a couple drops of liquid castile soap to a bucket of water, and wash.

Window Cleaner

What You Need:

* White vinegar
* A spray bottle
* Newspaper

Spray full strength vinegar onto the windows. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe dry with a piece of newspaper.
Chrome Cleaner

What You Need:

* White vinegar
* Water
* A spray bottle
* A sponge or cleaning rag

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on your wheels; and work it in with a sponge or cleaning rag.

Note: Vinegar should not be used on aluminum alloys.
Tire Cleaner

What You Need:

* Baking soda
* Water
* A scrub brush

Mix baking soda and water together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into the tires with a scrub brush. Let it sit for several minutes. Then, rinse off.
Carpet and Upholstery Stain Remover

What You Need:

* White vinegar
* Baking Soda
* A scrub brush

Mix white vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste. Then, work the paste into any carpet and upholstery stains with a toothbrush or something similar. Allow the paste to dry. Then, vacuum up the baking soda, and the stains should be gone.

Note: Some stains may need to be treated more than once.
Interior Cleaner

What You Need:

* White vinegar
* Water
* A spray bottle
* A cleaning rag

Mix together equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, spray it on any vinyl, plastic, wood, or leather surfaces in your car that need cleaning. Allow it to soak in. Then, wipe dry with a clean rag.

Note: As with any leather cleaner, you should test on a small area before applying to the entire surface.
Interior Protectant/Dressing

What You Need:

* 1 cup olive oil
* 1/2 cup lemon juice
* A spray bottle or bowl
* 2 cleaning rags

Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a spray bottle or bowl. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe a small amount of the dressing into the dashboard and any other plastic or vinyl surfaces. Finish by wiping off the excess with another cleaning rag.

Warning: Do not use on the steering wheel, pedals or any other controls where slipperiness could pose a hazard. Also be careful not to get in on windows.

Source: About.com Frugal Living

Make your own Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

1/2 cup of super strong coffee (use a full tbsp coffee mix, 1/2 cup water)
1/2 cup hot milk (microwave)
Sprinkle of pumpkin spice seasoning (Mcormick)
Redi whip if you like....

You can also do this with hot coco mix for a mocha, a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, whatever you like.

Make your own iced coffee's the same way but make a full-cup of double strong coffee, splash of milk and pour over shaved ice.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Laundry Detergents

Laundry Detergent
Liquid:
1 quart boiling Water
2 cups grated or shaved Bar soap
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

Add grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.
Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the Borax and Washing Soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.
Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.
Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Stir the soap each time you use it this will gel somewhat. I keep it in a 5 gallon bucket and stir with a paint stick from the local hardware store.

Powdered

2 cups grated Fels Naptha Soap (I have also use Ivory)
1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup Borax

Mix well and store in an airtight plastic container.
Use 2 tablespoons per full load


Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Downy Wrinkle Releaser

Fill a spray bottle with distilled water; add 1 teaspoon liquid
fabric softener (go ahead and use Downy and you’ll even duplicate the
fragrance).

Directions:
Spray the wrinkled garment using a sweeping motion from about 8 inches away until slightly damp. Tug and smooth away wrinkles. Hang until dry. Use more spray for heavy fabrics or severe wrinkles. For a pressed look, spray fabrics while ironing.

And another....
WRINKLE REMOVER SPRAY: 1 cup distilled water, 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol , 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener. Put in clean spray bottle. ( 8 oz. distilled water, 4 oz. alcohol, 2 oz. liquid fabric softener)

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Dryer Sheets

I have done this to cut down on buying so much fabric softener. Keep the wash cloth and throw it into the next load.


Pour 1-2 tbsp fabric softener on wash cloth and throw in dryer. Wash occasionally.

Homeade Taco Seasoning Mix

Here are some different recipes for homeade taco seasonings mixes. Save money by making them yourself.



2 tablespoons chili powder
5 teaspoons paprika
4½ teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons onion powder
3 teaspoons salt
2½ teaspoons garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
In a bowl, combine seasonings and store in an airtight container in a cool dry
place for up to 6 months.
Yield: 3 batches

******************

A recipe from an old Texas cookbook:

1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 T. flour
1 1/2 T. chili powder
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. garlic powder

After browning 1 1/2 lb. ground beef, mix seasoning and sprinkle over meat. Sitr well. Add 1 1/2 cups water. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Double or quadruple the recipe and store it in a jar to use as needed. Use 1/4 cup for 1 1/2 lbs of meat or 2 - 3 T. for a pound.

********************

Taco Seasoning- this recipe is very yummy-similar to fast food restaurant

(If you want to make in quantity..just double, 10X or whatever you'd like)

2 T flour
2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 t minced dry onion
1 1/4 t salt
1 t paprika
3/4 t beef bouillon
1/4 t sugar
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1/4 t garlic powder
dash onion

Add seasonings and 3/4 cup water to drained browned beef

***********************

Makes enough for several meals, have an airtight jar ready.

Mix all 6 spices together in the jar as followings:
Shake it up, mix it around and shake it some more.

2 T Chili Powder
1 T + 1 t Paprika
1/4 t Cayenne Pepper
2 & 1/2 t Garlic Powder
1 T Onion Powder
1 T + 1 & 1/2 t Cumin

Note: T=Tablespoon & t= teaspoon
Double for more. Store for 6 months. The manufacturers store mix is equal to 3 T of this mix. Use it in Salsa Chicken, Chili, Tamales, Taco's; the ideas are less. The savings are price-less.

Source: The Grocery Game

Save Money on Chicken Broth

When there is a good sale on chicken, I pick up several packs. I like to repackage the chicken that I am going to put into the freezer. I package it in freezer zip lock bags.

Fill the crock pot with chicken breasts or whatever kind of chicken you have. Let it cook all day while you are at work. When it is finished and cooled, remove the skin. You can put chicken breasts into freezer bags and freeze to take out and use later. You can shred the chicken or cube it to make future prep easier. Strain the broth off the chicken and place in the refrigerator to use the next day or so. By this time, all the fat has risen to the top and then you will need to remove the fat. Add the jars of broth to the freezer. You now have pre-cooked chicken, shredded chicken, cubed chicken and chicken broth in your freezer to use at a later time. The broth has no MSG like most store canned broths. You not only save money, but time in the kitchen and it is much better for you.

I like to use the chicken broth in chicken and dumplins or with wide egg noodles and broth.

Homeade Cornbread Mix

Ingredients:
4-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
4 cups cornmeal
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup baking powder
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1 cup shortening

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS:
1 egg
1 cup milk


Directions:
In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients; cut in shortening until crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Yield: 5 batches (11-2/3 cups total).
To prepare corn bread: In a bowl, beat egg; add milk and mix well. Stir in 2-1/3 cups corn bread mix just until moistened (the batter will be lumpy). Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 425° for 20-25 minutes or until bread tests done. Yield: 9 serving per batch.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Brownies

Save money by making your own brownies and not buying the expensive box mixes.

Ingredients:
5 cups sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 can (8 ounces) baking cocoa
1 teaspoon salt

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each batch of brownies):

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract


FOR CARAMEL-NUT BROWNIES:
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted, divided


FOR CHERRY BROWNIES:
1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries
1/2 cup water
Frosting of your choice, optional


Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa and salt. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 5 batches (about 10 cups total).

To prepare basic brownies:
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups brownie mix, butter, eggs, water and vanilla. Pour into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 9 servings.

To prepare caramel-nut brownies:
Prepare basic brownie batter. Pour half into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Drizzle with caramel topping and sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans. Top with remaining batter and pecans. Bake and cool as directed. Yield: 9 servings.

To prepare cherry brownies:
In a small saucepan, bring the cherries and water to a boil. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Prepare basic brownie batter; stir in cherries. Pour mixture into a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake and cool as directed. Frost if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Miracle Whip

Homemade Miracle Whip
2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
1 1/2 cups oil
1 1/2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons vinegar
salt

1. Using a blender or electric mixer, blend egg yolks, salt, sugar and 1 tablespoons of the lemon juice.
2. Slowly pour in 1 cup oil, a few drops at a time, mixing thoroughly.
3. Add remaining 1/2 cup oil a little faster, carefully blending in each bit before adding the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
4. Mix the flour, mustard, boiling water and vinegar together until smooth.
5. Pour into a small saucepan and cook until smooth and paste-like (but not too thick).
6. Slowly add this hot mixture to the mayonnaise and blend well.
7. Pour in a container and cool in the refrigerator.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Granola Bars

This recipe is delicious for an after school snack for your kids or to put in their lunch box. They are even good for adults. :-))

1 box yellow cake mix
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar (use 3/4 cup for a sweeter crust and topping)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter, plus
2 tablespoons melted butter or can use veg/or canola oil
1 large egg, slightly beaten
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups strawberry preserves or use any flavor you like
1. Set oven to 375 degrees (oven rack to second-bottom position).
2. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl combine cake mix, oatmeal, cinnamon and brown sugar; mix with a spatula or a large wooden spoon.
4. In a small cup whisk egg with lemon juice and vanilla until combined; add to the crumb mixture along with 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons melted butter.
5. Using a large wooden spoon toss to combine then use your fingers to finish the mixing.
6. Mix until the mixture clumps together.
7. Sprinkle a little more than half of the crumb mixture into the pan then spread out evenly pressing firmly to cover bottom.
8. Spoon the jam carefully over the crust in the pan and spread evenly.
9. Cover with remaining crumb mixture over top of the jam then gently pat the mixture down slightly.
10. Bake for 20 minutes (the top should be very light brown- don't overcook)
11. Cool completely, or semi-freeze before cutting into bars to make it easier to cut.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Wheat Muffins

Baked goods are much cheaper when you make them yourself. Here is a delicious recipe for for wheat muffins that you and your family are sure to enjoy.

Wheat Muffins

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed w/ tbsp vinegar)
3/4 cup flour (I use whole wheat flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
6 tablespoons melted butter (you can sub apple sauce here too)
1/3 cup raisins


1. Combine the oats and buttermilk and let stand 30 minutes.
2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and cinnamon.
3. Stir the eggs into the buttermilk mixture, then add sugar, butter, and flour mixture.
4. Stir until just combined.
5. The batter will be lumpy.
6. Fold in the raisins.
7. Spoon into a muffin tin about 2/3 full.
8. Bake at 400º F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Pizza Sauce

Here's a cheap homemade pizza sauce....
1 can tomato paste
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon onions, minced (optional)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 drops Tabasco sauce (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Combine and simmer 20-30 minutes...you can use it right away but the flavor is better after simmering.

Source: The Grocery Game

Save on Pancake Mix- Make Your Own!

Brown Sugar Oatmeal Pancakes

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk (OR subsitute 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp vinegar in place of buttermilk)

In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients, in another bowl, beat the oil, egg & buttermilk. Stir into dry ingredients until moist. Pour batter by 1/3 cupful onto a greased hot griddle. Turn when bubbles from on top, cook until second side is golden brown.

Yield about 10 pancakes.

*Note: If you are making up mixes with whole wheat flour, it doesn't keep as long. You can store it in the freezer to keep it from going rancid. You could mix up all of the ingredients except for the wheat flour and then measure it out when you add the wet ingredients.

***********************

Whole grain Pancake Mix

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
3 1/4 cups white flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 Tablespoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon salt

Makes 7 1/2 cups mix

*******************

Pancakes
1 1/2 cups pancake mix
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or milk - 3T and substitute vinegar instead)
1 egg
2 Tablespoon melted butter or vegetable oil


*******************


Oatmeal Pancakes

14 oz flour
6 oz oatmeal
1 t salt
3 oz brown sugar
2 T baking powder
1 qt milk
4 eggs
4 oz clarified butter.

Combine dry ingredients and whisk together. Combine wet ingredients and whisk. Then, whisk them together. Cook as usual.

Freeze leftovers up to 4 months in baggies. Take out of freezer as needed and heat in microwave.

(clarified butter- melt 1 lb butter, place in tall container, refrigerate overnight. scrape off white on top, use only bright yellow stuff)

Source: The Grocery Game








Source: The Grocery Game

Make your own Pot Scrubbers

Turn those netted veggie/fruit bags into pot scrubbers. Tie a knot at one end, flip the bag inside out, then a little ways up make a twist and do the bag inside out again. Tie at the end.

Source: The Grocery Game

Cleaning the Coffee Pot

Pour 4 cups vinegar into the coffeemaker and turn it on. Let it run until the vinegar starts to come out into the pot, then turn the pot off and leave it off for 15 minutes. Turn it back on and let it run all the way through. You'll then want to run 2 full pots of plain water through the coffeemaker before you make any more coffee because vinegar-flavored coffee would NOT be good!

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Shower Cleaner

1/2 c liquid laundry detergent
1/2 c white vinegar
3 c water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray on shower daily after showering. No need to wipe down or rinse after spraying!

Source: The Grocery Game

Cleaning TV Screens

Cleaning Tv Screens
When dusting or wiping down your TV (or anything glass that collects dust easily) instead of using a duster or glass cleaner, wipe it down with a used dryer sheet. It is important to use a sheet that has already been used in a drying cycle because a fresh one out of the box is too oily and will smudge glass.

Using the dryer sheet saves you money on paper towels because you are using something you would otherwise throw out. More importantly, there are chemicals put into those sheets by the manufacturer to repel static cling. These chemicals also make a static barrier on your TV. Static electricity is what causes your TV to build up with dust faster than any other appliance in your house. Using this method should repel dust from the set for a while so instead of wiping your TV screen every few days it will stay dust free for a week at a time or more.

Source: The Grocery Game

Homeade Furniture Polish

1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp lime juice

Mix well.

Put in a small jar. Apply to furniture w/ soft cloth and then wipe with a clean dry cloth.

Source: The Grocery Game