Guest post from Lou Manfredini of Ace Hardware
Lou here, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man” and today I’m sharing some great budget-friendly tips on adding curb appeal to your home this summer.

The first step to having a home that looks great from the street is a healthy lawn. It is easier and cheaper than you might think. First you’ll want to clear away any leftover debris, including leaves, branches and your kids’ favorite summer toys. If your lawn is loaded with weeds, spray it with Ortho Weed and Feed – just attach to your garden hose and spray away. It costs about …read more

I think when most people think of the slow cooker and the things that we cook in it, they think winter.  I know that was my first thought before I learned that the slow cooker can be my best friend.  I have learned that you can cook almost anything in your slow cooker and it really saves lots of time.  On those busy summer days when you want to be at the pool but you feel like you need to cook instead, pull out your slow cooker.  Several of my friends say that this way of cooking is not for …read more

I’ve made this cheese spread a few times.  It goes well with crackers and is so simple to make. 
You’ll need:
8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature or softened)
2-4 tablespoons Catalina dressing
Simply mix the cream cheese and the Catalina dressing until the dressing is completely mixed into the cream cheese.  The amount of dressing you use will depend upon how tangy you like the cheese spread. 
I’ve served this at two parties and it was well received.  Thanks to my friend Darlene for the recipe.
Enjoy!

I was looking through an old Good Housekeeping magazine today and found an article about Kelly Ripa.  Each year at Christmas, she makes hundreds of spritz cookies using her grandmother’s recipe.  They are simple and easy.  I thought you might enjoy having this recipe on file.  You don’t have to wait until Christmas to make them.
Grandma Esther’s Spritz Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
1. Heat oven to 375 F degrees.
2. Combine butter and sugar, then add remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
3. Load into cookie press. Place dough 1/2 inch …read more

Last night, I meant to open a can of evaporated milk, but accidentally opened a can of sweet condensed milk.  I didn’t want the sweet condensed milk to go to waste, so I asked my mom what I should make with it.  She suggested this simple and yummy cake.
You’ll need:

Box of cake mix – You’ll also need the ingredients to make the cake, which are probably eggs, oil, and water.  Or if you’re feeling up to it, you can make a cake from scratch.
14 oz can of sweet condensed milk
container of Cool Whip or whipped topping
coconut (optional)

Make the cake according …read more

With the rising price of groceries, we all could use some inexpensive recipes for our families. This is a slow-cooker recipe and it is great because it is easy, tasty, healthy, and inexpensive! Score!
Ingredients:

chicken (I used 4 boneless breasts)
1 can diced tomatoes (I used the ones with green chilies)
green salsa (such as the kind made by Herdez)
minced garlic
sliced onions
sliced bell peppers
salt and pepper (I used Goya Adobo seasoning, which is one of our faves!)
14 oz can of kernel corn, drained
15 oz can of black beans, drained and chopped or mashed

In a crock pot, put in your chicken, tomatoes, …read more

If you’ve ever been to a party where they have 7-layer dip, then you know this is one of the dishes that gets eaten very quickly! Best of all, it’s easy to make, can be made in advance, and only takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Enjoy!
1 16 oz can refried beans
1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa*
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons sliced pitted olives
Mix beans and taco seasoning mix. Spread onto bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
Layer remaining ingredients over bean mixture; cover. …read more

This is a very easy to prepare.  You can have dinner in about 30 minutes.  Since the shells are baked, this is a pretty healthy meal. 
You will need:

boneless chicken
refried beans
salsa
taco seasoning
Azteca taco shells (usually found in the refrigerated stuff, near the eggs)
lettuce
tomatoes
sour cream
shredded cheese

Set out your Azteca taco shells so that they can begin to soften.  Wash and cut up your lettuce and tomatoes; set aside.  Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
Form your taco shells using the forms that are included in the Azteca kit.  Bake these on 350 until they’re browned.  This should take about 8-10 minutes.
Cut your chicken into bite size …read more

Since January is Oatmeal Month I thought we could celebrate with these super easy no-bake cookies.  Oatmeal is good and good for you. 
You Need:

2 cups granulated sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) margarine or butter
1/2 cup low-fat milk
1/3 cup baking cocoa
3 cups Quaker Oats** (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)

Directions:
1.  In a large saucepan combine sugar, margarine, milk, and cocoa.  Bring to boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.  Continue boiling for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
2.  Remove from heat.  Stir in oats.  Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper.  Let stand until firm.  Store tightly covered.
Makes about 3 dozen. 
**If using old-fashioned oats, cool mixture in saucepan …read more

I told you all about the sweet 16 birthday bash for my cousin.  Here’s one of the things I made for the party. 

For this project you will need a bag (or two) of pretzel rods and a bag of chocolate wafers.  You can find the chocolate at your local craft store.  We used our Michael’s coupons to get these for a deal.    You’ll also need a pyrex measuring cup, knife or other stirring device, and waxed paper.