Summertime Helpers, Money Savers & Fun for Kids

I thought I would share a few recipes and tips for Summertime... 

Some may already know and/or use this info, but for those who don't, it can save some pennies which I'm all about..

I always make my own Hummingbird Nectar

Hummingbird Food Recipe

4 Cups Water

1 Cup Sugar

Bring water and sugar to a boil, then let cool completely.  Fill your feeders and welcome those tiny feathered friends.  You can but there is no need to dye it with a couple drops of food coloring.

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Last summer we had a problem with an ant hill in the back yard, this solved the problem within a few days

Homemade Ant Poison

1 Cup Warm Water

1/2 Cup Sugar

2 Tbsp. 20 Mule Team Borax

Simply disolve dry ingredients in warm water.  Soak cotton balls in mixture and place soaked cotton balls in a throw away container & put where ants are a problem.  (I used the cap off a plastic soda bottle)  The ants drink the sweet concoction and takes it back to the nest to feed their friends.

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Mom always made her own window cleaner in the spring...

Homemade Window Cleaner

1 Pint of Water

1 Tbsp. Vinegar

splash of ammonia

Mix and pour into a spray bottle. 

Here is another window washing tip - I scrub my windows with window cleaner recipe and paper towels.  But.... I dry them with newspaper, it works wonders and leaves no streaks.

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The kiddos will soon be getting out of school, here are some recipes that are fun to try..



Sunny Day Fun for Kids

Homemade Bubbles

2/3 Cup Water

1 Tbsp. Glycerine

(find this at drug stores)

1 Tbsp. Dish Soap

Rainy Day Fun for Kids

Homemade Play Dough

2 Cups Flour

1/2 Cup Cornstarch

1 Tbsp. Powdered Alum

2 Cups Water

1 Cup Salt

1 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

Place all ingred. in a saucepan, stir constantly over low heat until mixture thickens to dough consistency.  Remove from heat and let cool until it can be handled.  Place on foil or wax paper, knead like bread dough until smooth.  You can add food coloring if you wish while kneading.  Store in airtight container or zip lock bag.  It keeps for months, is safe and non-toxic.

(The above picture is some play dough that Maygan and I made 3 months ago, she loves playing with it)

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I first made these while in Girl Scouts...way back in the 1st grade..

Hobo Dinners

Makes 4-5 Hobo Dinner Packets

1 pound lean ground beef

5 potatoes, peeled and sliced

4 large carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise

1 onion, peeled and sliced into rings

1 small head of Cabbage (cut into small wedges)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Shape ground beef into patties and place on a piece of Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil.  Arrange prepared veggies on top of burger, add seasonings.  Fold your foil and seal into a packet.

You can cook your Hobo Dinners on the grill, in the oven (350 degrees for about 45 min - 1 hr.) or over a campfire.  The best thing is, no dirty dishes, just eat'em right out of the packet!

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Hope you find something useful...

Blessings,
Traci