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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Quick Tips

Here are some quick tips I've put together:

-Refill plugins or wallflowers with essential or fragrance oil.

-Use a rubber band to remove a stripped screw.

-Use bulldog clips for cord control.

-Store knives upside down in a knife block to avoid dulling the blades.

-Use WD-40 to remove crayon marks from just about any surface.

-Mix 1 tsp dishwashing soap (not detergent), 1 tsp cooking oil and 1 qt. water in a spray bottle for a safe, natural way to kill ants without harming children or pets.

-Rub a piece of chalk onto greasy stains - the chalk powder will absorb the grease, making the stain easily removable in the wash.

-Use plastic eggs as snack containers.

-Pour a packet of lemonaid Kool-Aid (the only flavor that works) into the detergent cup of an empty dishwasher and run to clean lime deposit and iron stains (the citric acid cleans the inside).

-To freshen your drain, pour 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt down the drain, follow with 1 cup heated vinegar down the drain (it will foam and bubble. Let sit for 15 minutes, then run hot tap water for 30 to 60 seconds.

-To clean the microwave, heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes. The steam will dissolve stuck-on stains. Simply wipe off.

-To clean a mattress, mix well 1 cup baking soda with 4 drops essential oil (lavender works well). Using a kitchen strainer, sprinkle the mixture over the whole mattress and let sit for an hour or longer. Using the vacuum hose, thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress. This will get rid of dust mites and leave the mattress smelling fresh and clean.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Green Rum Punch

I got this recipe from my cousin and it is DIVINE and so easy to make!! It has alcohol in it, but you really can't taste it. You can also make it without alcohol. This recipe makes enough for about 10 people.

INGREDIENTS:
For Freezer:
2 pkg. Blueberry gelatin (dissolve per package instructions)
1 cup Cold water
1 qt. (large can) Pineapple juice
1 1/2 qt. Sunny Delight Citrus
8 oz. Real Lemon juice
2 cups Sugar (you can use less if you don't want it to be as sweet)

For Serving:
1 L Ginger Ale
1 L Lemon-Lime soda
375 mL Bacardi light rum
2 or 3 Types of citrus fruits (and 2 or 3 of each type) - lemons, limes, oranges, etc.
Liquor (whiskey) to marinate fruit in

3 to 24 Hours Prior to Serving:
Slice up citrus fruit; pour liquor (whiskey) to cover bottom of container; cover fruit with liquor and place in refrigerator

DIRECTIONS:
To Freeze:
1.  Dissolve packages of blueberry gelatin according to package directions.
2.  Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3.  Stir in water, pineapple and lemon juice, and Sunny Delight.
4.  Freeze.

3 to 4 Hours prior to serving, remove from freezer and thaw until slushy.

Serving:
5.  Stir in ginger ale and lemon-lime soda.
6.  Stir in rum.
7.  Pour into punch bowl.
8.  Float fruit (pour excess marinate into punch).
9.  Add ice as needed.

Enjoy and please drink responsibly!


Make Your Own Febreze

 Here's a simple way to make your own Febreze for just $0.15 a bottle! You'll need:

32 oz. spray bottle
1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener
2 Tbsp. baking soda
Hot tap water-to fill the bottle to the top

Just shake and spray! It's from Fake-It-Frugal.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Comfort Meatballs

These are so good and easy to make. The recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman.

Meatballs:
1 1/2 lb ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
1 cup milk
3 Tbsp very finely minced onion
1 1/2 tsp salt
Plenty of ground black pepper
4 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup flour

Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp distilled white vinegar
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 to 6 Tbsp minced onion
Dash of Tobasco

1. Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats. Pour in the milk, then add the onion and salt. Add the black pepper, then stir to combine. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate them for 30 to 45 minutes.

2.  Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spread the flour on a plate. Dredge the meatballs in the flour, then brown them in batches until light brown. As they brown, place them in a rectangular baking dish.

3.  Sauce: Stir the ingredients and drizzle over the meatballs.

4. Bake for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serves 8

Make Your Own Scented Room Spray

Tutorial here. It's from Under the Table and Dreaming.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Dixie Cup Garland

Check out this incredibly cute and super easy to make  Dixie cup garland from Hey Gorgeous.  Directions here.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Sunday, August 21, 2011

J & J Candles - The Best!

I have to give a shout-out to my favorite candle company, J & J Candles! They have a large variety of candles to choose from, including scent types from Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works. My personal favorites are Butt Naked (funny name, I know, but it smells divine!) and Peach Pomegranate. I always get compliments from guests when I burn them at home. Not only does J & J have the best smelling candles around, but they also do fundraising.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

This Is Made From Toilet Paper Rolls? Really?

I had to do a double-take when I read this! These intricate, faux metal sculptures in the picture are made from toilet paper rolls?  Really?  While I can't honestly say I'll be attempting this crafty eye candy any time in the near future, I've posted the instructions from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom here because I think it's a way-cool art project for someone who has the time and talent (not to mention toilet paper rolls).

Make Your Own Hydrangea Wreath

This silk hydrangea wreath would make a beautiful addition to any wall, mirror or door. V and Co. has easy step-by-step instructions here.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Blob Lights

This "bright" idea takes only seconds to make and is so easy the kids can help! The directions are here.

It's from the website Family Chic.

Monday, August 15, 2011

FREE Old Navy Jeans!

I got a coupon in the mail today for 2 FREE Old Navy jeans of my choice (one pair for me and one for a friend). How did I get this, you ask? I simply participated in Crowdtap.com. Crowdtap is a survey website used by many reputable companies like Old Navy to gather valuable information from consumers. It also allows you to sample and keep their products, like the jeans. The only requirement is that you write them a short report telling them what you liked and didn't like about their product. It's that easy. Not bad for free clothes! 

Beautiful Fabric and Photo Collage Frame

This is a quick, inexpensive way to instantly brighten up any room! Simply choose some fabric scraps that go along with the color scheme and feel of the room and mix them with some black and white family photos for a stylish and fun focal point. It's from The Brassy Apple.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS

It's back to school time! Here are loads of creative ideas and activities from one of my favorite tip sites (TipJunkie.com) to get you and your child ready to head back to school.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Snickers Salad

This recipe is from one of my favorite tip sites, TipJunkie.com

You'll need:
6 Granny Smith apples
8 regular sized Snickers bars
1 container Cool Whip
1 small package instant vanilla pudding

Chop apples into bite-sized pieces (you can leave the skin on). Chop candy bars into bite-sized pieces (this may be easier if you chill them in the fridge first). Mix together the defrosted Cool Whip with the pudding mix, then add the chopped candy and apples. Make within a few hours of serving (this can keep for a couple of days in the fridge, although the "sauce" gets a little watery and is not pretty!).

This is great for a shower or potluck dinner!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Fried Kool Aid?


I just read this article. What do you think? I'm posting the recipe I found here.

-Vegetable oil (for frying)
-1/4 to 1/2 cup Kool Aid (any flavor)
-3 eggs
-1/4 cup sugar (Want it sweeter? Add more.)
-1/2 tsp salt
-2 tsp baking powder
-2 cups milk
-3 2/3 cup flour

Optional:
-1 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp dark chocolate (melted)
-1 tsp honey

Make the batter by beating the eggs and sugar together. Gradually add the milk and dry ingredients, including any optional ones. Cook in hot vegetable oil until golden brown (a few minutes, depending on heat). Cool in tray for a few minutes. Enjoy!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

CAKE POPS!!!


I love these things! I get one from Starbucks every time I go. I found this easy recipe from Rated by Mom.















Recipe here:

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