I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as I did. I know in some parts of the world this wasn't your week for a formal thanksgiving celebration but I do hope no matter where we are, you felt my love, appreciation and thankfulness for having you in my life.
Christmas and Hanukah are moving closer each day, so now is the time to really be thinking about what gifts you are going to give the people in your life. I know with the economy being tight, we all need to double check our wants and needs. This goes for gift giving too.
When we love someone we want to give, give, give, even when we can not aford it. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to put reality in your spending.
Today I am passing along some simple ideas for gift giving to the ones we love.
Parent or Grandparent:
A box assortment of cards, with a small address book [names and addresses already added] and stamps.
A niece did this one year for my Mother and it was something she enjoyed very much. Being able to send a card to someone she was thinking about brought her more joy than the person she sent it to.
Anyone:
A coupon book to be used through out the year:
This idea is good for spreading out the cost of gift giving. You can do a coupon for each month or season, depending on what you are offering to do.
I know I would rather be taken to dinner in January, a much more relaxing time than you rushing to fit me in your busy holiday schedule. If you are pledging to clean gutters or paint the porch, then spring or summer is a better time for that. If you think about it, I'm sure you will come up with something unique for each of your loved ones. Just be sure to not over promise yourself. One or two good items that get done is better than 12 that never get done.
No matter the size or amount of gifts you can aford, the one thing the people who love us, want from us most, is our time. Time to sit with them, talk to them, listen to them, play with them or simply holding their hand. No gift you can ever give them will equal the memories they will have of you being there and spending time with them.
Faylee
www.HassiesKitchenTable.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Keeping Our Homes Germ Free During Cold and Flu Season
With cold and flu season coming up on us, don't forget to use sanitizing as a means to keep germs at bay.
Don't forget to not only wipe down light switches, refrigerators and stove handles but keep in mind anywhere we touch needs this special cleaning including our keyboards, monitors, mouse and desk.
To help you keep disinfecting wipes in easy reach without high cost, here is a simple homemade recipe for making your own anytime the need comes up.
You will need:
1 roll of Bounty Paper Towels/cut in half, width wise
1 container with lid, large enough to hold the towels in an upright position.
[A coffee can, plastic container or an old wipe container]
1 1/2 Cup Water, that has been boiled and cooled
1/2 Cup 91% Rubbing Alcohol
1/2 Cup Lemon Ammonia
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
Mix the liquid ingredients by lightly shaking or stirring.
Place 1/2 of your cut paper towel roll, cut side down, into your container. Romove the inner core then slowly pour the liquid down over the towels. Place the lid on the container, then move it back and forth, allowing the liquid to be absorbed into the towels. This may take up to 15 minutes.
Open your container and pull a wipe from the middle of the roll. If they seem a little dry, add water 1/4 cup at a time until you get the texture you like.
The liquid can be put in a spray bottle and used to clean through your home. You are ready to face the germs of winter and save money too!
Faylee
Don't forget to not only wipe down light switches, refrigerators and stove handles but keep in mind anywhere we touch needs this special cleaning including our keyboards, monitors, mouse and desk.
To help you keep disinfecting wipes in easy reach without high cost, here is a simple homemade recipe for making your own anytime the need comes up.
You will need:
1 roll of Bounty Paper Towels/cut in half, width wise
1 container with lid, large enough to hold the towels in an upright position.
[A coffee can, plastic container or an old wipe container]
1 1/2 Cup Water, that has been boiled and cooled
1/2 Cup 91% Rubbing Alcohol
1/2 Cup Lemon Ammonia
1/2 Cup White Vinegar
Mix the liquid ingredients by lightly shaking or stirring.
Place 1/2 of your cut paper towel roll, cut side down, into your container. Romove the inner core then slowly pour the liquid down over the towels. Place the lid on the container, then move it back and forth, allowing the liquid to be absorbed into the towels. This may take up to 15 minutes.
Open your container and pull a wipe from the middle of the roll. If they seem a little dry, add water 1/4 cup at a time until you get the texture you like.
The liquid can be put in a spray bottle and used to clean through your home. You are ready to face the germs of winter and save money too!
Faylee
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Family Memories and Apple Butter
Fall is closing in on East Tennessee. You can see it in the trees and feel it in the air. It happens to be my favorite time of the year, not just because October first is my birthday but because I love the smells and feel of fall.
One of my favorite memories was my Granny Laura cooking her Apple Butter recipe, over an outdoor fire, in a large copper bottom pot. The apple smells floating through the air as my aunts and mother would peel, core and slice the apples for their mother to cook down to a deep red brown color. Granny Laura would add her spices and stir the hot mixture of sugar and apples until she was satisfied she had made the best apple butter possible.
It was an all day affair. My cousins and I would play in the yard. At times, we would be called to bring more wood to the fire as to keep the apple butter cooking at the same temperature at all times. Most times my Grandpa Birdine would be in charge of the fire but he was known to wonder off until Granny Laura called his name, loud and clear, for him to come back and stoke the fire or to keep one of us grandchildren away from the flames.
When Granny Laura deemed the apple butter was done, clean canning jars would be brought to her and filled one by one. Grandpa Birdine would tighten each jar lid then turn the jar upside down so the heat of the apple butter would speed the sealing of the jar.
One of my aunts or my mother would make a big pan of biscuits so could sample our day's work. Nothing can beat the taste of warm apple butter, cold butter and a hot homemade biscuit, on a cool fall night.
While I can't be part of your own Apple Butter making memory, I do want to give you this recipe that you can make in your own kitchen. Maybe it will give your family one of their favorite fall memories, too.
Easy Crock Pot Apple Butter
Cooking on high, it takes all day to make this flavorful apple butter but because you are cooking in a crock pot you can go away and do other things while it cooks.
Ingredients:
12 - 14 sweet-tart apples (like a Winesap)
2 cups apple cider or juice
sugar
ground cinnamon
ground allspice
ground cloves
freshly ground nutmeg
Preparation:
Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with your favorite cooking spray. Don't peel, but wash, core and quarter the apples. Put in crockpot. Stir in cider or juice. Cover and cook on high for 2 - 4 hours.
Put the soft cooked fruit in food mill to remove skins and any stray seeds. Measure fruit back into the crockpot. For each pint (2 cups) of fruit add: 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Stir well. Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Stir every 2 hours. Remove cover after 3 hours to allow fruit and juice to cook down. Spoon into hot canning jars and proceed according to canning jar directions. Or spoon into freezer containers. Allow apple butter to cool and then store in freezer.
Now go make that big pan of biscuits and enjoy.
Faylee
One of my favorite memories was my Granny Laura cooking her Apple Butter recipe, over an outdoor fire, in a large copper bottom pot. The apple smells floating through the air as my aunts and mother would peel, core and slice the apples for their mother to cook down to a deep red brown color. Granny Laura would add her spices and stir the hot mixture of sugar and apples until she was satisfied she had made the best apple butter possible.
It was an all day affair. My cousins and I would play in the yard. At times, we would be called to bring more wood to the fire as to keep the apple butter cooking at the same temperature at all times. Most times my Grandpa Birdine would be in charge of the fire but he was known to wonder off until Granny Laura called his name, loud and clear, for him to come back and stoke the fire or to keep one of us grandchildren away from the flames.
When Granny Laura deemed the apple butter was done, clean canning jars would be brought to her and filled one by one. Grandpa Birdine would tighten each jar lid then turn the jar upside down so the heat of the apple butter would speed the sealing of the jar.
One of my aunts or my mother would make a big pan of biscuits so could sample our day's work. Nothing can beat the taste of warm apple butter, cold butter and a hot homemade biscuit, on a cool fall night.
While I can't be part of your own Apple Butter making memory, I do want to give you this recipe that you can make in your own kitchen. Maybe it will give your family one of their favorite fall memories, too.
Easy Crock Pot Apple Butter
Cooking on high, it takes all day to make this flavorful apple butter but because you are cooking in a crock pot you can go away and do other things while it cooks.
Ingredients:
12 - 14 sweet-tart apples (like a Winesap)
2 cups apple cider or juice
sugar
ground cinnamon
ground allspice
ground cloves
freshly ground nutmeg
Preparation:
Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with your favorite cooking spray. Don't peel, but wash, core and quarter the apples. Put in crockpot. Stir in cider or juice. Cover and cook on high for 2 - 4 hours.
Put the soft cooked fruit in food mill to remove skins and any stray seeds. Measure fruit back into the crockpot. For each pint (2 cups) of fruit add: 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 ground cloves and 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Stir well. Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Stir every 2 hours. Remove cover after 3 hours to allow fruit and juice to cook down. Spoon into hot canning jars and proceed according to canning jar directions. Or spoon into freezer containers. Allow apple butter to cool and then store in freezer.
Now go make that big pan of biscuits and enjoy.
Faylee
Monday, September 27, 2010
Random Ideas for Savings
As I keep saying there are saving ideas all around us, it just a matter of taking advantage of them, to keep more money in your bank account.
[1] Shoes tend to lose their shape and appearance of newness in a hurry. If you can, buy two or three pairs and wear them interchangeably. They will all look new longer, as well as wear longer.
[2] Buy furniture "just as it comes from the factory — unsanded, unpainted, and unstained" — You can paint or stain it to the color of your choice for much less. There are lots of products to make this an easy job, plus save you lots of money.
[3] If you are going to a pot luck dinner and taking Deviled Eggs, buy medium size eggs. Most of us will eat 2-3 halves without taking notice to the size of egg you used. It will help with the cost for you and the calorie intake for the guest.
[4] Make your own instant oatmeal packets. Use a small zip lock plastic bag and add 1/3 cup of quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon of chopped nuts, 2 teaspoons of the dried fruit of your choice [raisins, dates, prunes] 2 teaspoons of sugar or 1 1/2 teaspoons of brown sugar. When you are ready to eat..pour the mixture in a bowl, add 1/2 cup water and microwave for 30 seconds, stir and cook another 30-45 seconds, depending on the watts of your microwave.
[5] If summer time has left your feet looking like rough leather, try this little tip. Before bed time, rub a good coating of petroleum jelly over them, then put on a pair of cotton socks and sleep in them. After a couple of nights, you should see a great improvement.
Faylee
[1] Shoes tend to lose their shape and appearance of newness in a hurry. If you can, buy two or three pairs and wear them interchangeably. They will all look new longer, as well as wear longer.
[2] Buy furniture "just as it comes from the factory — unsanded, unpainted, and unstained" — You can paint or stain it to the color of your choice for much less. There are lots of products to make this an easy job, plus save you lots of money.
[3] If you are going to a pot luck dinner and taking Deviled Eggs, buy medium size eggs. Most of us will eat 2-3 halves without taking notice to the size of egg you used. It will help with the cost for you and the calorie intake for the guest.
[4] Make your own instant oatmeal packets. Use a small zip lock plastic bag and add 1/3 cup of quick cooking oats, 1 teaspoon of chopped nuts, 2 teaspoons of the dried fruit of your choice [raisins, dates, prunes] 2 teaspoons of sugar or 1 1/2 teaspoons of brown sugar. When you are ready to eat..pour the mixture in a bowl, add 1/2 cup water and microwave for 30 seconds, stir and cook another 30-45 seconds, depending on the watts of your microwave.
[5] If summer time has left your feet looking like rough leather, try this little tip. Before bed time, rub a good coating of petroleum jelly over them, then put on a pair of cotton socks and sleep in them. After a couple of nights, you should see a great improvement.
Faylee
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Repurpose things you have on hand
Before you throw out something, think about other uses for it. Here are a few ideas.
[1] One of a kind earrings can become push pins for your bulletin board.
[2] Rubber doorstops can provide enough height to allow air to circulate under your laptop to keep it from over heating and crashing. They are light weight, sturdy, non skid on flat surfaces and light weight enough to carry any where.
[3] Treat yourself to a new cookie sheet and turn your old metal one into a message board. You can spray paint or cover it with a cotton material to make it match the rest of the decor.
[4] Use the bed linen bag your new comforter came in to keep all your art and craft supplies in one place. They are usually heavy duty enough to handle the weight of the supplies without ripping apart.
Faylee James
[1] One of a kind earrings can become push pins for your bulletin board.
[2] Rubber doorstops can provide enough height to allow air to circulate under your laptop to keep it from over heating and crashing. They are light weight, sturdy, non skid on flat surfaces and light weight enough to carry any where.
[3] Treat yourself to a new cookie sheet and turn your old metal one into a message board. You can spray paint or cover it with a cotton material to make it match the rest of the decor.
[4] Use the bed linen bag your new comforter came in to keep all your art and craft supplies in one place. They are usually heavy duty enough to handle the weight of the supplies without ripping apart.
Faylee James
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tips for Your Home
Our food budget is one of the places we can save the most in our home budgets but that doesn't mean we shouldn't look for other places to offer us some pleasures but still saving us money too.
[1] An old pipe rack makes an excellent toothbrush holder. You can find them at flea markets, resale stores and yard sales for less than 5 dollars. You can also spray paint them to match your bathroom decor, giving you eye pleasing savings.
[2] If you have a pet and vacuuming doesn't pick up all their hair, take a spray bottle of water and lightly spray the carpet. The hairs will come up quicker with less electric use and leaving your carpets looking new.
[3] If your window blinds need cleaning but you do not have time to take them down for a water bath, wipe them with a cloth that has been wet with alcohol. The dust and dirt will come off, leaving them shiny clean and dry in minutes.
Don't forget to check our website at www.HassiesKitchenTable.com for more ideas on how to save more money in your food and home budgets.
Faylee
[1] An old pipe rack makes an excellent toothbrush holder. You can find them at flea markets, resale stores and yard sales for less than 5 dollars. You can also spray paint them to match your bathroom decor, giving you eye pleasing savings.
[2] If you have a pet and vacuuming doesn't pick up all their hair, take a spray bottle of water and lightly spray the carpet. The hairs will come up quicker with less electric use and leaving your carpets looking new.
[3] If your window blinds need cleaning but you do not have time to take them down for a water bath, wipe them with a cloth that has been wet with alcohol. The dust and dirt will come off, leaving them shiny clean and dry in minutes.
Don't forget to check our website at www.HassiesKitchenTable.com for more ideas on how to save more money in your food and home budgets.
Faylee
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Everyday Savings
Summer is almost gone and most of us are looking forward to getting to our fall schedule, with children back in school, cooler weather and a little time to relax. With all the relaxing, we must not forget about our savings goal. Here are a few ideas to use in our everyday life.
[1] If you have a front load washer, remember to not only use less detergent but bleach also. Instead of using your normal cup, cut it to 1/2 cup and enjoy the savings.
[2] Use a black marker to date any food item you opened but do not use all of, before placing it in your refrigerator . This serves as a reminder for you to use it before it goes to waste thus saves you money in your food budget.
[3] I like the idea of saving money on laundry detergent but it's messy to do it home made, so I came up with the idea of cutting my regular powder detergent with washing soda. You can buy washing soda at most stores for less than 3 dollars. When I mix it with my 7 dollar detergent, I get twice the amount for about 50% of the cost.
[4] If you have small children at home, use clean wash clothes as table napkins. They wash up great and each child can have their own color.
[5] Choose three things each month and either, delete them from your spending or cut them back by half. You will be amazed at the savings.
[6] If you have to stop off for fast food on your way home, order from the $1.00 menu. Think before ordering. If you order 2 of those dollar chicken sandwiches, it's cheaper than the regular sandwich. If you are taking it home, do you need the combo with drink? Most of us have drinks on hand at home. Finding saving in your everyday life, even small ones, leads to more money in your bank account.
Faylee
[1] If you have a front load washer, remember to not only use less detergent but bleach also. Instead of using your normal cup, cut it to 1/2 cup and enjoy the savings.
[2] Use a black marker to date any food item you opened but do not use all of, before placing it in your refrigerator . This serves as a reminder for you to use it before it goes to waste thus saves you money in your food budget.
[3] I like the idea of saving money on laundry detergent but it's messy to do it home made, so I came up with the idea of cutting my regular powder detergent with washing soda. You can buy washing soda at most stores for less than 3 dollars. When I mix it with my 7 dollar detergent, I get twice the amount for about 50% of the cost.
[4] If you have small children at home, use clean wash clothes as table napkins. They wash up great and each child can have their own color.
[5] Choose three things each month and either, delete them from your spending or cut them back by half. You will be amazed at the savings.
[6] If you have to stop off for fast food on your way home, order from the $1.00 menu. Think before ordering. If you order 2 of those dollar chicken sandwiches, it's cheaper than the regular sandwich. If you are taking it home, do you need the combo with drink? Most of us have drinks on hand at home. Finding saving in your everyday life, even small ones, leads to more money in your bank account.
Faylee
Thursday, August 19, 2010
More Reusing and Quick Cooking Ideas
Good Morning,
Here are a few little things with your home and time in mind.
[1] To keep your burgers all the same size and portion, use a canning jar lid and ring. Use a wide mouth for adults or big eaters and the regular size for children or small eaters. Place your ground meat into the lid set, with ring facing up, use another lid to press down on the meat to get all the air out and fill in the ring. When you have it nice and neat, lift up the patty and push out from the back. You will get even size burgers, allowing for better frying, grilling and of course, eating.
[2] Keep your used coffee grounds to use in your flower pots or garden. They add nutriments and keeps the soil loose for better water retaining. If you are a non coffee drinker, ask at your local restaurant for their's. Provide them a container with lid. Set a day and time you will pick up your bounty that is convenient for them. Your plants will reward you, in a big way.
[3] If you like fresh chives with your soups, baked potatoes or salads but can not afford the cost, here is a quick and easy substitute . Buy a hand full of spring green onions and place them in a glass container on your window seal. Using scissors, snip off the tips as you need them. They will need fresh water every few days to keep them growing but you will always have a supply of fresh onion snips anytime you get the urge. The sprouts will grow back almost as quickly as you eat them.
[my kids reminded me recently, there was always something growing on our kitchen window seal,,and they are right..lol. even now]
Faylee
Here are a few little things with your home and time in mind.
[1] To keep your burgers all the same size and portion, use a canning jar lid and ring. Use a wide mouth for adults or big eaters and the regular size for children or small eaters. Place your ground meat into the lid set, with ring facing up, use another lid to press down on the meat to get all the air out and fill in the ring. When you have it nice and neat, lift up the patty and push out from the back. You will get even size burgers, allowing for better frying, grilling and of course, eating.
[2] Keep your used coffee grounds to use in your flower pots or garden. They add nutriments and keeps the soil loose for better water retaining. If you are a non coffee drinker, ask at your local restaurant for their's. Provide them a container with lid. Set a day and time you will pick up your bounty that is convenient for them. Your plants will reward you, in a big way.
[3] If you like fresh chives with your soups, baked potatoes or salads but can not afford the cost, here is a quick and easy substitute . Buy a hand full of spring green onions and place them in a glass container on your window seal. Using scissors, snip off the tips as you need them. They will need fresh water every few days to keep them growing but you will always have a supply of fresh onion snips anytime you get the urge. The sprouts will grow back almost as quickly as you eat them.
[my kids reminded me recently, there was always something growing on our kitchen window seal,,and they are right..lol. even now]
Faylee
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tips for Saving Money on Automobile Costs
[1] Slow it down.
Studies have shown that the faster you go the more gasoline your vehicle will use. Lower your speed to put savings in your pocket.
[2] Use your brakes less.
Less speed is one way of cutting down on using your brakes, not tailgating is another. Not only do you burn more gasoline each time you use your vehicle's brakes, you also ware out the brake pads faster.
[3] Do Regular Maintenance on your vehicle
Keeping your filters, belts and tires in the best condition can make a big difference in the fuel use of your vehicle.
[4] Do not let your vehicle sit and idle
If you know you are going to be stopped for more than 30-60 seconds,[not counting time waiting at signal lights] turn your motor off. The motor only needs about 5 seconds of fuel to restart, anything over that is wasting fuel and your money.
[5] Check for alternate routes
If you travel the same route to work or events, look for other routes. Sometimes we can find shorter routes or less fuel use ways. Look for routes with less signal lights, pot holes or hills to climb. All these things cause you to use more fuel. Saving one dollar a day is 365 dollars in a year. Do this with 5 different everyday events and you will have saved $1825.00 in one year.
[6] Lighten the Load
All of us carry little used items in our vehicles. Unload them, put them in the garage, where they belong. Every extra pound of weight you carry in your vehicle, adds to your fuel cost.
[7] Roll down the windows
Air conditioning can account for 25% of your fuel cost. For slow city travel, roll down the driver's window a few inches. Do the same to the back passenger window on the opposite side for increased air flow. When going faster, close the windows and turn on the ventilation fan. Only use your vehicle's air conditioner on high heat days.
Using one or several of these suggestions will not only lead to more money in your budget but less ware and tare on your vehicle, allowing it to last longer.
Ways to save money are all around us, we just have to be open to using them.
Faylee
Studies have shown that the faster you go the more gasoline your vehicle will use. Lower your speed to put savings in your pocket.
[2] Use your brakes less.
Less speed is one way of cutting down on using your brakes, not tailgating is another. Not only do you burn more gasoline each time you use your vehicle's brakes, you also ware out the brake pads faster.
[3] Do Regular Maintenance on your vehicle
Keeping your filters, belts and tires in the best condition can make a big difference in the fuel use of your vehicle.
[4] Do not let your vehicle sit and idle
If you know you are going to be stopped for more than 30-60 seconds,[not counting time waiting at signal lights] turn your motor off. The motor only needs about 5 seconds of fuel to restart, anything over that is wasting fuel and your money.
[5] Check for alternate routes
If you travel the same route to work or events, look for other routes. Sometimes we can find shorter routes or less fuel use ways. Look for routes with less signal lights, pot holes or hills to climb. All these things cause you to use more fuel. Saving one dollar a day is 365 dollars in a year. Do this with 5 different everyday events and you will have saved $1825.00 in one year.
[6] Lighten the Load
All of us carry little used items in our vehicles. Unload them, put them in the garage, where they belong. Every extra pound of weight you carry in your vehicle, adds to your fuel cost.
[7] Roll down the windows
Air conditioning can account for 25% of your fuel cost. For slow city travel, roll down the driver's window a few inches. Do the same to the back passenger window on the opposite side for increased air flow. When going faster, close the windows and turn on the ventilation fan. Only use your vehicle's air conditioner on high heat days.
Using one or several of these suggestions will not only lead to more money in your budget but less ware and tare on your vehicle, allowing it to last longer.
Ways to save money are all around us, we just have to be open to using them.
Faylee
Monday, August 2, 2010
Frugal Use of Your Food Budget
[1] When going grocery shopping instead of making a shopping list, make a list of what you have in your pantry and refrigerator. This way, you will not buy duplicates items or things that can not be used with items you already have on hand.
[2] One to 2 days a week, eat from what is in your pantry or refrigerator. Delaying your weekly shopping even one day a week will save on your food budget. It's like eating free 4 days a month.
[3] If you are at a pot luck where food is left over, ask to make yourself a plate to take home. Even one free lunch will save on your food budget.
[4] Always ask for a doggie bag when eating out. Leaving half of your food on the plate is like giving away part of your food budget.
Happy Savings, Faylee
[2] One to 2 days a week, eat from what is in your pantry or refrigerator. Delaying your weekly shopping even one day a week will save on your food budget. It's like eating free 4 days a month.
[3] If you are at a pot luck where food is left over, ask to make yourself a plate to take home. Even one free lunch will save on your food budget.
[4] Always ask for a doggie bag when eating out. Leaving half of your food on the plate is like giving away part of your food budget.
Happy Savings, Faylee
Back to School Saving Ideas for Your Home
Not only is back to school season, a good time to buy your home office supplies for the coming year but it's a good time to refresh your children's bed or play rooms.
Often you can find festive furniture or bedding, to add color, new style or completely change a room for a lot less. You can update your little girl's room to the teen she is becoming, with the help of dorm furniture. Add a small refrigerator or microwave to your family room for easier snack time. Buying them all during Back to School Savings time.
Happy Savings,
Faylee
Often you can find festive furniture or bedding, to add color, new style or completely change a room for a lot less. You can update your little girl's room to the teen she is becoming, with the help of dorm furniture. Add a small refrigerator or microwave to your family room for easier snack time. Buying them all during Back to School Savings time.
Happy Savings,
Faylee
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Saving Money the ReUse and Make Do Way
We all have things we use in our everyday lives that help us keep our budget down but still enjoy the good life, these are a few of mine.
[1] Planning a backyard party..Use your beach towels as table coverings. They will add a festive touch without you spending any money.
[2] If a storm leaves you with trees down and you have no way of getting them cut up for disposal, put an add in the newspaper or online for free wood. You will be surprised at how fast it will disappear.
[3] Using Comet Cleanser around your baseboards and windows will keep ants out. It clings to their bodies, then they carry it back to their nest, where it will kill the colony. It takes a little longer to work than chemicals but the ants stay gone longer, once it does.
[4] A good reuse, recycle and make do item is an old popcorn tin. You know the kind you get popcorn in at Christmas. It makes a wonderful portable charcoal grill for picnics or camping. Use a pointed tip can opener to make some air holes an inch from the bottom of the can, for air circulation, add your easy light charcoal in the bottom. Then using an old rack from a cooking stove, refrigerator or canner, you can have dinner quick and easy. The tin will last 1-2 seasons depending on how often you use it.
Using the same method you can also have a portable smoker by adding damp to wet hickory chips to the charcoal then placing a grill a few inches above the chips [my grill was the insert from my old canner, turned upside down] then placing your meat on the grill. To make a smoke release, simply punch holes in the top of the tin. I used a hammer and a large nail. Soon you will be the best cook at the camp grounds.
Faylee
[1] Planning a backyard party..Use your beach towels as table coverings. They will add a festive touch without you spending any money.
[2] If a storm leaves you with trees down and you have no way of getting them cut up for disposal, put an add in the newspaper or online for free wood. You will be surprised at how fast it will disappear.
[3] Using Comet Cleanser around your baseboards and windows will keep ants out. It clings to their bodies, then they carry it back to their nest, where it will kill the colony. It takes a little longer to work than chemicals but the ants stay gone longer, once it does.
[4] A good reuse, recycle and make do item is an old popcorn tin. You know the kind you get popcorn in at Christmas. It makes a wonderful portable charcoal grill for picnics or camping. Use a pointed tip can opener to make some air holes an inch from the bottom of the can, for air circulation, add your easy light charcoal in the bottom. Then using an old rack from a cooking stove, refrigerator or canner, you can have dinner quick and easy. The tin will last 1-2 seasons depending on how often you use it.
Using the same method you can also have a portable smoker by adding damp to wet hickory chips to the charcoal then placing a grill a few inches above the chips [my grill was the insert from my old canner, turned upside down] then placing your meat on the grill. To make a smoke release, simply punch holes in the top of the tin. I used a hammer and a large nail. Soon you will be the best cook at the camp grounds.
Faylee
Sunday, July 18, 2010
No Lemons but Still Making Lemony Aid
I often find lemons are expensive to keep on hand for everyday uses. Desperate for lemon juice one day last winter for a salad dressing, I searched my pantry for something lemony. I found a package of dry unsweetened lemonade drink powder. I decided to reconstitute it with 8 ounces of cold water and try the resulting mixture as a lemon juice substitute in my recipe.
It worked great and no one was the wiser. I have since used this mixture in many recipes calling for lemon juice; salad dressings, drinks, coating fresh fruit, etc. I store my "lemon juice" refrigerated in a glass jar, tightly sealed to allow for shaking before using. For just pennies per package, I have a ready supply of a great citrus stand-in!
Another use for the lemony mixture is making your own lemon wipes, using 2 tablespoons of the citrus mixture. Fold up to 5 or 6 paper towels, place them in a zip lock plastic bag, then gently pour the mixture over them and close the bag. Take them when you eat out or have picnics. They are always ready to clean sticky faces, fingers or taking food smells off your hands.
It worked great and no one was the wiser. I have since used this mixture in many recipes calling for lemon juice; salad dressings, drinks, coating fresh fruit, etc. I store my "lemon juice" refrigerated in a glass jar, tightly sealed to allow for shaking before using. For just pennies per package, I have a ready supply of a great citrus stand-in!
Another use for the lemony mixture is making your own lemon wipes, using 2 tablespoons of the citrus mixture. Fold up to 5 or 6 paper towels, place them in a zip lock plastic bag, then gently pour the mixture over them and close the bag. Take them when you eat out or have picnics. They are always ready to clean sticky faces, fingers or taking food smells off your hands.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Useful Saving Tips and Ideas
I like trying out the tips I read elsewhere before passing them on to you but I think I have gone overboard on this one. Over three months ago I started keep track of how long I could use a throw away razor before it refused to shave. I bought a 3 pack of razors for $1.00 at CVS and to my surprise I am still using those three razors almost 100 days later. I rotate using them but each one gets used a couple times a week.
I started using a baby oil gel as my shaving lubricate. I apply it to the area that needs shaving, [legs, underarms or other body parts] then shave as usual. I then clean the razor in hot soapy water [I use a little shampoo for this] blow it dry with my hair dryer, then pour 2-3 drops of the baby oil gel in my hand. I spread it to the width of my razor and using a backward motion I push the razor through the gel. The razor's cutting blades get covered in a light coating of oil and is ready to use when I need it again.
Truly I am amazed that they are still cutting as well as they are and still have an edge sharp enough to do so. Another side effect to using the baby oil gel, is my skin has never looked better. Even after bathing, enough of the oil remains on my skin to give it a healthy glow.
Here's a couple of new ideas for something you might already have.
If you have a children's 42" wading pool, here is a handy idea on how to use it to help you with a household cleaning problem, keeping your blinds clean. Place the pool on a picnic or patio table, filled it with suds and warm water, and washed your window blinds in it. By placing the pool on a table, your back wont be hurting from all the bending or stooping, and you wont have made a mess in the house. After you washed the blinds, hang them over your outdoor chairs, rinsed them with a hose and let them dry.
Other ideas for using the pool beside giving the kids an afternoon full of laughter...bathing your pet, use it as an under lining for changing your potted plants [keeps the dirt all in one place for easy clean up], soaking your BBQ grill removable parts for easier cleaning, are a few.
Happy savings to all of you!!
Faylee
I started using a baby oil gel as my shaving lubricate. I apply it to the area that needs shaving, [legs, underarms or other body parts] then shave as usual. I then clean the razor in hot soapy water [I use a little shampoo for this] blow it dry with my hair dryer, then pour 2-3 drops of the baby oil gel in my hand. I spread it to the width of my razor and using a backward motion I push the razor through the gel. The razor's cutting blades get covered in a light coating of oil and is ready to use when I need it again.
Truly I am amazed that they are still cutting as well as they are and still have an edge sharp enough to do so. Another side effect to using the baby oil gel, is my skin has never looked better. Even after bathing, enough of the oil remains on my skin to give it a healthy glow.
Here's a couple of new ideas for something you might already have.
If you have a children's 42" wading pool, here is a handy idea on how to use it to help you with a household cleaning problem, keeping your blinds clean. Place the pool on a picnic or patio table, filled it with suds and warm water, and washed your window blinds in it. By placing the pool on a table, your back wont be hurting from all the bending or stooping, and you wont have made a mess in the house. After you washed the blinds, hang them over your outdoor chairs, rinsed them with a hose and let them dry.
Other ideas for using the pool beside giving the kids an afternoon full of laughter...bathing your pet, use it as an under lining for changing your potted plants [keeps the dirt all in one place for easy clean up], soaking your BBQ grill removable parts for easier cleaning, are a few.
Happy savings to all of you!!
Faylee
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Saving on Air Conditioning
Saving on air conditioning cost can cut your electric bill by twenty percent or more. These small changes can help in that endeavor.
[1] Save on your power bill by placing a fan in a window after sundown to circulate cooler night air into your house, then trap it there in the morning by closing all windows, pulling your blinds shut or draw the curtains to keep there sun out. In some cases you may not have to turn on your AC until afternoon.
[2] If each room has it's own thermostat, set the rooms you are not using to a higher temperature than the one you are working in.
[3] Keep cooler by wearing natural fabric clothing. Things made with cotton, silk or linen will let air pass through, thus feeling cooler.
[4] Wear less clothing when indoors. Take off hats, shoes and tight fitting clothing when coming home from work. You will find you will not need your air conditioner set lower to feel cooler.
[5] Keep a small spray bottle filled with water and occasionally spray your face and arms with a mist of water. You will feel cooler instantly.
[6] For food prep, use crock pots or an out door grill to cut down on the need for the oven and long cooking times that will heat up your home.
[1] Save on your power bill by placing a fan in a window after sundown to circulate cooler night air into your house, then trap it there in the morning by closing all windows, pulling your blinds shut or draw the curtains to keep there sun out. In some cases you may not have to turn on your AC until afternoon.
[2] If each room has it's own thermostat, set the rooms you are not using to a higher temperature than the one you are working in.
[3] Keep cooler by wearing natural fabric clothing. Things made with cotton, silk or linen will let air pass through, thus feeling cooler.
[4] Wear less clothing when indoors. Take off hats, shoes and tight fitting clothing when coming home from work. You will find you will not need your air conditioner set lower to feel cooler.
[5] Keep a small spray bottle filled with water and occasionally spray your face and arms with a mist of water. You will feel cooler instantly.
[6] For food prep, use crock pots or an out door grill to cut down on the need for the oven and long cooking times that will heat up your home.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Something to Add a Smile to Your Day
This applesauce oatmeal muffin recipe is great for breakfast or a snack on-the-go. For added variety, you can substitute the applesauce with ripe bananas, prunes, pears or peaches. Place your fruit in a food processor and pulse to the size you like, then add to the mixture.
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
2/3 cup applesauce
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, prepare muffin pans by spraying cooking spray on them or use cup cake paper holders.
Mix dry ingredients well with a fork. Beat egg, then add oil and milk, stir in applesauce. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined.
Spoon into pans and bake for 20 minutes or until the muffin top springs back after a light touch.
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup oil
2/3 cup applesauce
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F, prepare muffin pans by spraying cooking spray on them or use cup cake paper holders.
Mix dry ingredients well with a fork. Beat egg, then add oil and milk, stir in applesauce. Add the dry mix to the wet mix until just combined.
Spoon into pans and bake for 20 minutes or until the muffin top springs back after a light touch.
Tips and Ideas On Shortcut Cooking
If you are like me, you are always looking for cooking shortcuts or ways to "fix" a little mistake you have made while cooking. Here are two that I have used many times over my 50 years of cooking.
[1] To cut hours of cooking time off your dried beans, microwave them for 14-15 minutes. Place the beans, peas, lentils, etc, in a microwave safe bowl, large enough to cover them with water about 2 inches higher than they are. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl. Make a small slit in the middle to allow steam to escape. Put into your microwave set on high for 8 minutes. When it stops, check water level, add more water if needed. Replace plastic film and heat for 6-7 minutes more. Let the bowl cool before removing. Rinse, place beans into your cooking pot, add fresh water and seasoning. Cook as usual but for half the time.
[2] If you have used to much Mayonnaise in your Tuna or Chicken salad mixture. Place 6-8 plain or saltine crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces, with your dough roller. Then add as much as you need to help soak up the extra mayonnaise. Don't add too much or you will have the opposite problem. Taste your mixture before adding more salt.
Never give up on something as you will find a way to save or improve 99.9% of them.
[1] To cut hours of cooking time off your dried beans, microwave them for 14-15 minutes. Place the beans, peas, lentils, etc, in a microwave safe bowl, large enough to cover them with water about 2 inches higher than they are. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the bowl. Make a small slit in the middle to allow steam to escape. Put into your microwave set on high for 8 minutes. When it stops, check water level, add more water if needed. Replace plastic film and heat for 6-7 minutes more. Let the bowl cool before removing. Rinse, place beans into your cooking pot, add fresh water and seasoning. Cook as usual but for half the time.
[2] If you have used to much Mayonnaise in your Tuna or Chicken salad mixture. Place 6-8 plain or saltine crackers in a plastic bag and crush them into small pieces, with your dough roller. Then add as much as you need to help soak up the extra mayonnaise. Don't add too much or you will have the opposite problem. Taste your mixture before adding more salt.
Never give up on something as you will find a way to save or improve 99.9% of them.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Small Tips to Make Your Diet Healthier
Oat meal isn't just for breakfast. Add uncooked oats to your meat loafs, sloppy joes, or any other ground meat recipe. Mix a couple teaspoons of brown sugar with 1/4cup of oats then sprinkle the mixture over your fresh fruit. You can replace up to half of the regular flour, in most bread recipes, with oat flour, thus increasing the fiber intake in your daily diet.
Brown rice is more nutritious than the white rice. Adding brown rice to a stir fry, or grown meat recipe will make it more filling and better for you.
Using the right oil will also help keep you healthy. Always read the labels when buying food.
Trans fat is found in many foods but mainly in commercial baked goods, french fries, fried chicken and snack food crackers. If the label says the food is made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening or hard margarine, it will contain trans fat.
Saturated fat occurs naturally in many foods. It primarily comes from animal sources, including beef, lamb, pork, lard, real butter and cheese.
The better fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive, canola and peanut oils. Many nuts, seeds and avocados contain these good fats, also.
Reading and understanding labels will help all of us live better.
Brown rice is more nutritious than the white rice. Adding brown rice to a stir fry, or grown meat recipe will make it more filling and better for you.
Using the right oil will also help keep you healthy. Always read the labels when buying food.
Trans fat is found in many foods but mainly in commercial baked goods, french fries, fried chicken and snack food crackers. If the label says the food is made with hydrogenated vegetable oils, shortening or hard margarine, it will contain trans fat.
Saturated fat occurs naturally in many foods. It primarily comes from animal sources, including beef, lamb, pork, lard, real butter and cheese.
The better fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in olive, canola and peanut oils. Many nuts, seeds and avocados contain these good fats, also.
Reading and understanding labels will help all of us live better.
Money Saving and Healthy Grocery Buying Tips
Eating healthy doesn't have to break your food budget. The main ingredient in a food budget is knowledge. Read your weekly newspaper ads, to get the best deals on food products. Clip coupons from magazines, newspapers and online sites, that match the items you have chosen for your weekly menus. Avoid buying items that are advertise as a good deal, unless it's something you are going to eat. Having "good buys" sitting in your pantry will not save on your food budget.
Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh. The big bonus in using frozen produce is the convenience of always being able to have it on hand, no matter the season. While it may cost a little more, you have no worry about spoilage happening before you can use your food items and loosing the you spent on buying it.
Canned meats or fish are always good to have on hand for quick meals or unexpected company. Can Tuna, Salmon or Sardines offer the same omega-3 fats as fresh seafood. Add some pasta and a mixed green salad for an easy healthy meal.
Frozen produce is just as nutritious as fresh. The big bonus in using frozen produce is the convenience of always being able to have it on hand, no matter the season. While it may cost a little more, you have no worry about spoilage happening before you can use your food items and loosing the you spent on buying it.
Canned meats or fish are always good to have on hand for quick meals or unexpected company. Can Tuna, Salmon or Sardines offer the same omega-3 fats as fresh seafood. Add some pasta and a mixed green salad for an easy healthy meal.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Finding Frugal Gifts is in the Planning
Awwww Spring is here, can the wedding shower invitations be far behind? After each holiday, I look for items, such as dish towels, that can be used for gifts, next year. Most sell for 50% to 75% off after the holiday and make excellent gifts for the new brides. She can have a new decorated towel to celebrate New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, or what ever it might be, in her new marriage and home. Plus you will have saved money!
Another great idea is using a bucket as a container and filling it with small garden hand tools. Starting a new home entails a lot of small expenses. Most we do not think of until the need arises. Giving a 5 pound bag of potting soil, a scoop or hand rake with some clay pots, topped off with a 6 pack of blooming flowers will get any new home owner off to a good start. You can usually find these items, except for the flowers, in the garden department of your local Kmart or Wal-Mart in the fall reduced by 50% to 60%.
Saving money is a matter of timing and thinking ahead. Happy shopping everyone!
Another great idea is using a bucket as a container and filling it with small garden hand tools. Starting a new home entails a lot of small expenses. Most we do not think of until the need arises. Giving a 5 pound bag of potting soil, a scoop or hand rake with some clay pots, topped off with a 6 pack of blooming flowers will get any new home owner off to a good start. You can usually find these items, except for the flowers, in the garden department of your local Kmart or Wal-Mart in the fall reduced by 50% to 60%.
Saving money is a matter of timing and thinking ahead. Happy shopping everyone!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Surprising Everyday Pantry Items That Work Elsewhere
Most of the time when little home accidents happen we can find immediate help in our pantries.
[1] Bee stings can be helped with a paste of baking soda and water. Mix three teaspoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water and rub it on the sting. Always remove the stinger first. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse off. Repeat if needed.
[2] If someone in your household shows signs of Athlete's foot, make a mixture of one half cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water and let them soak their feet in it for 5-10 minutes, daily. Within a week, they should see a big difference. Household white vinegar contains a natural anti fungal.
[3] With summer coming and children being prone to swimmers ear, this is a great idea to keep in the back of your mind. Grate two cloves of fresh garlic into a small dish and cover with a layer of olive oil. Cover and leave overnight. In the morning strain the garlic and use the oil that remains in the affected ear. Two or three drops, twice a day can help with the pain. Just remember if the pain continues more than three day or if a fever comes up, you may need to take the child to a doctor.
[4] With all the sunscreens on the market you would think no one would become sun burned anymore, but it still happens. When it does and your need quick relief, go looking for milk. Milk has anti-inflammatory enzymes that will soothe your skin. Wet a cloth in cold milk and cover the abused skin for 15 minutes with the cloth. Repeat as often as you need to relieve pain.
[1] Bee stings can be helped with a paste of baking soda and water. Mix three teaspoons of baking soda and one teaspoon of water and rub it on the sting. Always remove the stinger first. Leave it on for fifteen minutes, then rinse off. Repeat if needed.
[2] If someone in your household shows signs of Athlete's foot, make a mixture of one half cup of white vinegar in a gallon of water and let them soak their feet in it for 5-10 minutes, daily. Within a week, they should see a big difference. Household white vinegar contains a natural anti fungal.
[3] With summer coming and children being prone to swimmers ear, this is a great idea to keep in the back of your mind. Grate two cloves of fresh garlic into a small dish and cover with a layer of olive oil. Cover and leave overnight. In the morning strain the garlic and use the oil that remains in the affected ear. Two or three drops, twice a day can help with the pain. Just remember if the pain continues more than three day or if a fever comes up, you may need to take the child to a doctor.
[4] With all the sunscreens on the market you would think no one would become sun burned anymore, but it still happens. When it does and your need quick relief, go looking for milk. Milk has anti-inflammatory enzymes that will soothe your skin. Wet a cloth in cold milk and cover the abused skin for 15 minutes with the cloth. Repeat as often as you need to relieve pain.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Laundry Day Tips
[1] When sorting your dirty laundry, not only sort by colors and whites, but by weight. You will want to keep your like weight, [jeans, towels], [summer tops, shorts], in the same wash load. Not only is it more effective when washing but when drying. Adding light weights and heavies at the same time will damage your light weight item with over drying, thus causing the extra expense of replacing the garment sooner.
[2] Know the size of your machine and fill it full but do not over fill. If you have to weight your laundry basket until you can guess how many clothes it takes to make 20 pounds or what ever size your machine holds, then do so. In the end it will help with water, soap and electricity waste.
[3] Two simple pantry products will help make laundry day easier. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry will boost the cleaning power of your detergent and help with odors. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle and you'll have no need of dryer sheets as it takes the static cling from your clothes.
[4] Washing your clothes in cold water will save money on your water heating bill. Most detergents are made to work in both hot or cold water.
[2] Know the size of your machine and fill it full but do not over fill. If you have to weight your laundry basket until you can guess how many clothes it takes to make 20 pounds or what ever size your machine holds, then do so. In the end it will help with water, soap and electricity waste.
[3] Two simple pantry products will help make laundry day easier. Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry will boost the cleaning power of your detergent and help with odors. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle and you'll have no need of dryer sheets as it takes the static cling from your clothes.
[4] Washing your clothes in cold water will save money on your water heating bill. Most detergents are made to work in both hot or cold water.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
4 Items That Will Make You a Better Cook
Some times the gadgets we use in the kitchen, have a bigger impact on our cooking than the recipes we are serving. Some of these handy tools to keep on hand are:
[1] A Bottle Pour Spout
Attaching a pour spout to your bottle of olive oil or vinegar will give you more control of the amounts you are adding to your cooking, plus an elegant appearance to your counter.
[2] A Kitchen Timer
In spite of our best efforts we sometime come up short on a recipe due to over or under cooking. To keep this from happening always include a kitchen timer in your tool drawer.
[3] A Silpat Mat
You will never burn another baking item if you use this mat. Nothing sticks to it.
[4] A Microplane
You will never want to use another shredder or grater after using this one. It makes the plainest food, look restaurant made.
[1] A Bottle Pour Spout
Attaching a pour spout to your bottle of olive oil or vinegar will give you more control of the amounts you are adding to your cooking, plus an elegant appearance to your counter.
[2] A Kitchen Timer
In spite of our best efforts we sometime come up short on a recipe due to over or under cooking. To keep this from happening always include a kitchen timer in your tool drawer.
[3] A Silpat Mat
You will never burn another baking item if you use this mat. Nothing sticks to it.
[4] A Microplane
You will never want to use another shredder or grater after using this one. It makes the plainest food, look restaurant made.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Unusual Ideas for Usual Items
When it came time for my mother to move in with me and I was sorting through her belongings, I found 5-6 boxes of denture cleaning tablets. All were different brands or flavors she had bought to try and found she didn't like. Not wanting to just waste them by throwing them out, I begin to look for ways to use them. It didn't take long for ideas to pop into my head. These are a few of mine and other's I have picked up along the way.
[1] Drop a denture tablet into a glass containing a cup of warm water. Follow that with your ring or diamond earrings. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove your jewelry and rinse to reveal the old sparkle and shine.
[2] Cut flowers often leave a ring on your glass vases that seems impossible to remove no matter how hard you scrub. Give this a try. Fill the vase with water and drop in a denture tablet or two, depending on the size of the vase. When the fizzing has stopped, all of the mineral deposits will be gone and your vase is ready for more flowers.
[3] Does your commode have water stains in it, no matter how much you clean it? Here's a way to handle that job, easily. Drop two denture tablets in the commode bowl. Wait about 20 minutes, swish with a brush and flush. Sparkle and shine should be what you see.
[4] If you are like me and have hard water in your household, then you know how fast mineral deposits can build up inside your teakettle. Cleaning it was almost impossible, until I found that if I placed two tablets in the teakettle and fill it up with warm water and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, I could rinse all the gunk down the drain. Remember to rinse it good so all residue has been flushed out.
[5] If your coffee or tea mugs still carry stains. Place then in a sink filled with warm water and drop in 2-3 denture tablets and let them set, up to an hour, then rinse. Most, if not all, will come out sparkling clean ready for the next tea or coffee party.
[6] If you forgot to put last nights casserole dish in the dishwasher and it's now dried and crusty. Put some warm water in your sink and drop in a denture tablet, placing the dish in the water and soak for 20-25 minutes. Then wash and rinse as usual for a clean dish without the hard work.
My Mother passed away a little over a year ago and as I was cleaning my bathroom this morning, I realized her supply of denture tablets was almost gone. Now I have to decide if I want to continue using them by buying my own supply or let this memory go.
Faylee
[1] Drop a denture tablet into a glass containing a cup of warm water. Follow that with your ring or diamond earrings. Let it sit for a few minutes. Remove your jewelry and rinse to reveal the old sparkle and shine.
[2] Cut flowers often leave a ring on your glass vases that seems impossible to remove no matter how hard you scrub. Give this a try. Fill the vase with water and drop in a denture tablet or two, depending on the size of the vase. When the fizzing has stopped, all of the mineral deposits will be gone and your vase is ready for more flowers.
[3] Does your commode have water stains in it, no matter how much you clean it? Here's a way to handle that job, easily. Drop two denture tablets in the commode bowl. Wait about 20 minutes, swish with a brush and flush. Sparkle and shine should be what you see.
[4] If you are like me and have hard water in your household, then you know how fast mineral deposits can build up inside your teakettle. Cleaning it was almost impossible, until I found that if I placed two tablets in the teakettle and fill it up with warm water and letting it sit overnight. In the morning, I could rinse all the gunk down the drain. Remember to rinse it good so all residue has been flushed out.
[5] If your coffee or tea mugs still carry stains. Place then in a sink filled with warm water and drop in 2-3 denture tablets and let them set, up to an hour, then rinse. Most, if not all, will come out sparkling clean ready for the next tea or coffee party.
[6] If you forgot to put last nights casserole dish in the dishwasher and it's now dried and crusty. Put some warm water in your sink and drop in a denture tablet, placing the dish in the water and soak for 20-25 minutes. Then wash and rinse as usual for a clean dish without the hard work.
My Mother passed away a little over a year ago and as I was cleaning my bathroom this morning, I realized her supply of denture tablets was almost gone. Now I have to decide if I want to continue using them by buying my own supply or let this memory go.
Faylee
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