BrownBagPantry

Follow my new helpsforhardtimes blog

2010-12-26T15:43:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone. I've just started a new blog to pass along helps for hard times facing us in the upcoming months and perhaps years. The blogger URL is helpsforhardtimes. See you there!

My articles on eHow.com

2009-08-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

How to Videos & Articles: eHow.com

How to cook an egg omelete in a zip lock bag

2009-07-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Easy and Economical breakfast or even dinner!

Planning to save money on food? Start here!

2009-07-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

How to start saving money at the grocery store.

You CAN succeed in this economy!

2009-07-25T05:29:00.000-07:00

If you read nothing else today, this week or this month, read this inspiring blog post about succeeding with your business in the current economy. HERE

A delicious soup for the entire family to enjoy!

2009-07-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Make your family some of this delicious soup! See ingredients and directions HERE

Don't have the ingredients or the time? Don't want to make it as a gift jar? Not to worry....I'll be adding this mix to my BrownBagPantry next week!

Yes, there is such a thing as too much pudding!

2009-07-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

Click here, very funny!

Going to make up a spices mix for this soup

2009-06-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

For mine, I will use dried black beans (soaked overnight), eliminate the canned beans, canned corn and use only half the tomatoes. Stay tuned, I'll let you know my impressions and will have the dry mix for you to purchase in my Bonanzle booth, at a reasonable price of course. Or, if you try it as you see it here, let me know your thoughts.Updated on 7/10/09 to add this comment: I have not had time to make this, hopefully soon!

Link to original recipe on the internet below.

Black Bean and Taco Soup Mix

Unique Ziplock Bag Egg Omelet

2009-04-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!) Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them. Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc. Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water. Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed. Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece. Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready. For work or kids going to school. And in 13 minutes, you've got a nice omelet for a quick breakfast!!! I was hesitant at first, thought the bag would melt. But I tried this, and Taia loved it, she put in bacon, onion and cheese, she wants to do it again with different ingredients. I can't turn an omelet to save my life and these turned out so good. Very cool!!

Thanks for sharing Judy! You can see her Stationarybyjudy's booth on Bonanzle HERE.

Something for your sweet tooth from sissyann of Bonanzle

2009-03-25T04:24:00.000-07:00

This dessert is a real winner. Recipe using one of my pudding mixes, chocolate to be exact, makes this tasty treat. Thanks to sissyann for sending it to me. You can see her booth on Bonanzle HERE

Place a single layer of graham crackers in an 8 x 8 dish. Cook the pudding as directed and while still hot, pour one cup over the crackers. Then place another layer of graham crackers and pour the remaining pudding to cover them. Place in refrigerator for an hour or so, then enjoy.

To further satisfy your sweet tooth, top the pudding mixture with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, chopped nuts or drizzle a swirl pattern of chocolate sauce. Forget the trimmings if you are thinking about your waistline, it’s already sinful enough without them. Enjoy! Thanks again sissyann!

Easter Bible Cookie Mix and More Tips from Bonanzle Members

2009-03-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

A new listing in my booth for Easter Bible cookies, a unique way to tell the story of Easter to the young ones. Start a family tradition.

See the listing Here

Hi, Sandy! I have a kitchen tip for your blog that saves me money.

I make homemade diaper wipes and just started making homemade kitchen wipes (can be used for the bathroom too). These are way cheaper than the ones you buy in the store, like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes.

Here's my "recipe"
*Take a roll of paper towels (I like the Kleenex Viva towels because they are cloth-like). Use a very sharp knife to cut in half.
*Place 2 cups of warm water in a plastic container large enough to hold the paper towels.
*Mix in a few teaspoons ( I use 2-3) of each of the following: bleach, dish soap, and hand lotion.
*Place the paper towels in the container. Secure the lid and shake. After a few minutes, turn the towels over. Let sit for another few minutes.
*Take out the cardboard tube and you are finished!

Less than a $1 to make! Hope you find it helpful! Lauren

You can see Lauren's Bonanzle diaperchef booth Here.

Hi,

I good way for anyone to save on groceries is to sign up for Angel Food ministries. There are no income restrictions and Donald trump could join if he wanted to. Here is a link to their site to locations nationwide and this month's menus.
Angel_Food_Ministries

Take care, Bob

You can see Bob's booth Jerseyshore on Bonanzle Here

More food and cooking tips from Bonanzlers!

2009-03-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

As promised, some more hints from the Bonanzle family. Hope to have more for you next week.

From Jacks: To help keep your kitchen knives sharp, And your hands safer.. Never put the good knives in the dish washer.
Carefully wash them by hand.

You can visit his booth on Bonanzle Here.

From okie1304: Hi, Here’s a quick easy dinner for folks who like a little more “spice” in their spaghetti:0
Brown 1# ground beef, drain excess grease and add 1 medium onion chopped sauteed to beef. To that add 1 – 10.5 oz. can each, tomato and cream of mushroom soup. Season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder. Add 3 TBSP. Chili powder and a dash (or two) of Frank’s Hot Sauce. Let simmer for 20 minutes over low heat. Serve over prepared spaghetti noodles. HMMMM

You can visit their booth on Bonanzle Here.

From Nina: If you don’t use those plastic forks and knives and spoons that fast-food restaurants hand out, take them home and use them later when eating snacks like pudding or fruit cups, or take them in your vehicle when you have to travel. I am always needing a spoon or fork when I need to stop for a quick energy meal on the road!

You can visit her booth on Bonanzle Here.

From Judy:

You may want to word this different if you use it..
I live alone and missed having cake and then my grandaughter told me to buy a cake mix and pour a bit in a small bowl, I use a real large cup, like the ones on “Friends”

Anyway..You pour a bit of cake mix in the bowl and add water till its the consistancy of cake batter…Put it in the Microwave for 2 minutes,(depending on the amount) Need to test it.
and you have cake..I call mine cup cake. Lol! I add a bit of cool whip but you can add frosting..but its a nice way to have piece of cake when you want one and don’t want to make a whole cake..for just one person..so it saves money and its great for those living alone…
Hope you can figure a way to say this more briefly, if you use it..

You can visit Judy's booth on Bonanzle Here.

Win a buyer's heart through their taste buds!

2009-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, could the way to your buyer’s heart be through their taste buds? I think it can!

Don’t you love it when someone sends along a little extra for your sweet tooth, maybe a lollipop or a piece or two of wrapped candy? I know I certainly do! So why not think of including something for the taste buds for your buyers as well. You could perhaps attach a piece of candy to your business card, or better yet......why not include a ten per cent off coupon for something from my booth? See how I cleverly got around to promoting my booth? Well, here’s the thought, I can make up coupons for a free Cappuccino coffee mix with any purchase from my BrownBagPantry on Bonanzle. The card will be customized with your booth name at the top so that your buyer remembers who thanked them for their purchase in this way.

Cost to you, nothing.....TOTALLY FREE to the first 20 booth owners who request them. I plan to put a listing in my booth for six coupons that will be sent to you in a regular letter size envelope. If you think this is something you might like to try, stop by my booth and lets chat!

Help in the Kitchen from other Bonanzle members!

2009-03-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I started a forum thread asking for ideas on how to save money on groceries, food storage, recipes and tips and tricks. I will continue to post their ideas as they come in. If you have time to post a thank you in their booths, I'm sure they would appreciate it! And for now....I WANT TO THANK THEM ALL TOO!

From Kathy: Maybe quite a few people do this but what has helped us immensely with cutting costs is knowing roughly what the prices are on the staples. When they go on sale we can stock up.

And, since meat can be expensive we buy the family pack quite a bit even though it’s just the two of us. By wrapping and freezing it into small portions it then is easy to just take the meat out of the freezer and cook.

As an example I love to make meatloaf, slice it and then freeze it. Then it’s easy to make a sandwich.

You can visit Kathy's booth on Bonanzle Here.

From Tracey: I have a couple of Smart Storing Hints:

*Do not store apples in a bag with other fruit or vegetables. Apples give off a chemical, which will effect the taste of other foods.

*Don’t store eggs in the little trays that come with your refrigerator- they’re usually kept in the door, which is meant for condiments only, because it’s the warmest part of the refrigerator. Eggs need to be kept cold in the middle or bottom of the fridge, in the egg carton.

*Don’t let your bananas go bad- put them in a freezer bag and stick them in the freezer!

*Use the meat and the fruit and vegetable drawers for their purposes, they’re labeled those drawers, because the temperature of each one is best for their intended purposes.

You can visit Tracey's booth on Bonanzle Here.

From Fay: Hope some of these may be ones that others have not heard of before and will help them also save money!

Purchase aluminum foil and reuse instead of buying plastic wrap. Cover food items with foil. Once you no longer need the foil for that item, lay the piece of foil on the counter and wash it. Wipe dry and carefully fold into a smaller square and store until you need it to cover another item. Most times each piece can be reused many times over!

Zip lock baggies: wash, rinse and reuse. The bags can be used over and over. The only time I do not reuse the bags is when I have stored meat or onions in them.

Freeze over ripened bananas for making banana bread or muffins at a later date instead of throwing away. Leave the skins on and put them into a zip lock bag. This is perfect, take the amount you need out of the freezer and let thaw for a few minutes. Once the banana has thawed just enough to take peel off, remove it and use for making the bread or muffins as you would a fresh banana!

Don’t boil noodles to cook them! Bring the water to a boil, add your noodles, put the lid on the pan, and turn the burner off. Let the noodles sit for at least twice as long as the recommended cooking time (some noodles may need to sit longer than normal cooking time). Stir the noodles periodically as you would when boiling to prevent them from sticking together.

Don’t use paper towels. Use rags instead. The best source for rags is your old clothing. Use old socks for dusting. Place on your hand and lightly spray with cleaning spray (this also saves on over using sprays).

You can visit Fay's booth on Bonanzle Here.

Tip from Sue:
Never use a knife when using lettuce.It will brown the edges quickly and make it wilt faster. Always tear lettuce gently,under cold water to keep it fresh and crisp longer!

You can visit Sue's booth on Bonanzle Here.

You do not need to use those expensive "green" bags to keep veggies and fruits fresh!

2009-02-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

With costs for fresh fruits and vegetables on the rise, it is important to first buy in quantities that you will use within a two week period of time. And, you do not have to buy those expensive "green" bags advertised on television. I go grocery shopping every two weeks and buy mostly fresh, not canned, fruits and vegetables. And, I keep them fresh for at least two weeks. How?

My first stop at the store is the produce department where I collect 8 to 10 bags from the store bag dispenser, then chose the fruits and vegetables from the back of the bin, not the front. I make sure that there are no bruises or wilted leaves on lettuce or cabbage. When I get home, I take all of the produce out of the bags, turn the bags inside out, then wipe off the fruit or vegetables with paper towels, or let them sit out until they are dry. The next step is the crucial one. When the produce is completely dry and room temperature, use a length of paper towels (un-separated) to wrap around the produce. Place it back in the plastic grocery produce bag which should now be dry inside and out and store in the refrigerator in your produce drawers, or lower half of your refrigerator.

Each time you need one of your tomatoes, or a single banana be sure to wrap those same paper towels around them again and store as before. I have been able to keep all of my produce from spoiling for up to two weeks this way. The secret is in keeping the produce dry and cold. Enjoy saving more of your money and your vegetables!

Someone is saying GOOD things behind my back!

2009-02-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

This is a time when someone talking behind my back said some very nice things! Virginia of CleosGreatDeals on Bonanzle made my day, actually my upcoming week! She and her husband used one of my shake 'n bake style mixes last night and she posted their reaction on her blog. So, wanted to share with everyone! Since my potato soup has been so popular, I have decided to make up a cream soup base that should be very versatile. Add a little left-over veggies, maybe some fresh ones and perhaps some left-over chicken or turkey cut up in bite size pieces for a hearty soup. Will post again when this mix is for sale in my booth. Hope everyone has had a wonderful week! Stay tuned will 'ya?

http://cleosbonanzle.blogspot.com/

Grand Opening a success!

2009-02-18T14:35:00.000-08:00

The grand opening of BrownBagPantry was a big success and the most popular items were the soup mixes and salad dressing mixes. This week I will be listing a lot of dip mixes for veggies, chips, meats (for fondues too)and fruit. Stay tuned for Walnut-Yogurt dip, Curry-Mint dip and more to tantalize your taste buds.

I forgot to mention that I can combine shipping and if you buy some of the dips, rubs or salad seasoning mixes which come in small bags, all you need to do is buy enough items until the cost to ship reaches $5.00 (for the new small USPS priority box) and any of the smaller mixes you purchase after that will be shipped totally free.

The same can be said for the larger mixes which I can put in the larger USPS priority box and ship for $10.00. I can put a LOT of the larger mixes in that box and once you have put enough items in your cart with a shipping cost of $10.00, all other mixes can be shipped totally free.

I am still looking for any suggestions for BrownBagPantry, so please feel free to stop by and shop, browse or chat. BrownBagPantry

Ready for Grand Opening February 14th

2009-02-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

For all those waiting for the grand opening of BrownBagPantry, it's almost a fait accompli! Only a few more images to add and some minor tweaking to do. After some expert advice from Cleo's Great Deals on pricing, I feel comfortable that my prices are in line with the market place.

I plan to add more spice blends and mixes as time permits. Just yesterday I made up a listing for a dry mix and directions for Beer Soup, what fun! Needless to say, most of my mixes have been tested and approved by myself, my husband and a few trusted friends.

I hope that my buyers or just visitors will suggest other blends and mixes and most importantly I value your feedback with regard to pricing. Just below is a link to BrownBagPantry Hope to see you there!

BrownBagPantry on Bonanzle Grand Opening February 14th!

2009-02-02T05:14:00.000-08:00

As many on Bonanzle already know, I am Sandy of Bargain Basement. With the rise in popularity of Bonanzle as the most popular alternative to e-Bay, I decided to open a second booth that has already had many visitors and much interest and is not even open yet! Called BrownBagPantry, I will be selling a wide variety of dry seasoning mixes, not in jars but in brown bags. Cheaper than store spices or mixes, my new store promises to be a great alternative to expensive store bought items. So, why not on Bonanzle....which has just been named AGAIN as the best e-Bay alternative!

Need more convincing? Visit the links below.

After being named the best eBay alternative in July by Ecommerce Guide, Bonanzle was named the best eBay alternative and once again last week, this time by SmallBusinessComputing! This is no minor accomplishment!

July article by Ecommerce Guide:
http://www.ecommerce-guide.com/news/news/article.php/3762231

January article naming Bonanzle the best eBay alternative by Small Business Computing.
http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/news/article.php/11520_3798906_4

Come browse BrownBagPantry before the grand opening to see what you may be interested in, or suggest some mixes you would like to see in the booth. Alert....Don't shop this booth if you're hungry!