Tuesday Tip - Dryer Maintenance

Check it Out!  In my home, my dryer gets A LOT of use.  A LOT!  I do laundry almost every day.

Tuesday Tip - Clean Up Broken Glass Easy with this...

Check it Out!  Breaking glass is never good.  When you end up with those little shards and slivers, it's a real pain to clean up.  Literally!

Tuesday Tip - Silica Gel Bead Uses

Check it out!  You know every time you get a new pair of shoes or electronic item, there are these little packets inside that usually end up in the trash?  I'm talking about those little silica gel packs.  They can be found in so many products, even food products, because they absorb moisture.  

Tuesday Tip - Ideas for Washi Tape & Ribbon Storage

Check it Out!  I have become fascinated with the new "planner" craze!  Aside from already using Washi tape in crafts, I have learned it is a must for planning.  I have found some marked down here and there and even won a few rolls in a giveaway.  And thanks to my awesome friend Rose, I have managed to get a little supply of Washi.  Combined with my growing supply of ribbon, it was time to come up with some ways to store my stash!  For this weeks Tuesday Tip I wanna share some of the ways I do this.  

Tuesday Tip - How to Hide your Valuables in Plain Sight

Check it Out!  With all the technology these days, pretty much everyone has a collection of devices.  Cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming systems and more.  Keeping all those devices safe can be a issue.  If you are looking for a way to hide some of these devices in plain sight I have a super easy and cheap tip for ya, binders.  

Tuesday's Tip & a Recipe - Egg Free Peanut Butter Cookies

Check it Out!  My daughter has always loved to bake and help in the kitchen.  She enjoys making new things just like I do and I love it!!  So the other night we decided we wanted to make some cookies.  Well other than what recipes are on the back of the chocolate chip bag and other products, I only have 1 cookbook.  I had quite a supply before the fire, but not one recipe made it out.

Not long ago, a dear friend gave me a huge tub full of books, this cookbook was in that tub.  It is the most basic of cookbooks and it's got to be at least 10 years old.  Anyway we found a cookie recipe that we thought we had all the ingredients for, Peanut Butter Cookies and set about to make them. 

Unfortunately, we didn't realize until the last minute that we had no eggs.  Well it was 9 pm and I was not going to the store so we set out via the world wide web to find a substitute!  

We discovered that you can substitute 1/4 cup of Applesauce or Yogurt for each egg.  We decided to go with the applesauce and I am happy to say that these were some amazingly good cookies!  They also call for a little maple syrup!

I promised a few friends I would share the recipe that I used and here it is, from The New Basics Cookbook and modified to the way we made them.

Ingredients:

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) salted butter, at room temp
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 3/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1/4 cup applesauce (or 1 egg lightly beaten)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• optional:  1/2 cup salted peanuts chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 
2. In large bowl, cream butter, peanut butter and brown sugar together until light.  Then beat in the maple syrup, applesauce and vanilla.
3. In another bow toss flour, baking soda.  You could add your peanuts at this time too, if using them.  Slowly beat this mixture into the liquid ingredients.
4. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls about 3" apart on baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the tines of a for.  Bake until pale golden, 7 to 8 minutes.  After 2 minutes of rest on the baking sheet, transfer them to a wire rack to cool.  

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.  This is definitely a keeper recipe!  Oh and because there are no eggs, you can eat the dough ;)

And here is a tip that will keep those fresh baked cookies nice and soft... add a slice of bread to the container you keep your cookies in and the moisture from the bread will release into the cookies and keep them soft!  You will notice that the bread will dry out after a day or so, if you have any cookies left, just replace it with a fresh slice.  This is a great job for those bread loaf ends that nobody seems to want. 

Happy Baking!

Tuesday's Tip - Frugal Cat Food Spill Tray

Check it Out!  We have a very messy cat named Ollie.  He is large and in charge and is known to knock over his water bowl or anything around with liquid in it.  It is slightly funny, but mostly highly annoying!  We have a hard time finding a bowl that he wouldn't tip over.  He's a big fellow and he is strong, so he was always out of water, because he would tip the bowl over.  I found these dog food bowls at The Dollar Tree and since the sides are sloped he can't knock it over, but he is still a seriously messy eater so I needed something to contain the mess.
I had recently found this great plastic tray at The Dollar Tree so I decided it would make a great spill tray for Ollie's bowls.  Not only is it cheap, but it is easy to clean and can be easily moved for vacuuming and cleaning with those built in handles!  You could also use a boot tray, one of those plastic trays they make to put next to your door to put your dirty shoes on, they work great too, I would have used the one we have but since Ollie is a messy eater, of course he also has bad potty habits and more of the liter ends up on the floor than in the box, so we use the boot tray to catch the liter!

Ollie

Tuesday's Tip - How to pick a good Watermelon

Check it Out!  It's the time of year when we all enjoy some nice juicy watermelon.  We love fresh fruit salad in our house and it wouldn't be complete without some watermelon. however making sure you get a good one, can be a challenge.  My family, with the exception of Tori, loves watermelon, especially my hubby, so I buy whole melons quite frequently.  I have a three tips to help you make sure you get a good and juicy one. First you want to look for a symmetrical shape, you don't want any funky shapes.

Second, look for yellow spot on the underside, this is where it sat on the ground, the more yellow, the longer it sat, meaning it will be sweeter.

Third - pick the melon up and it should be heavy.  The heavier the juicier!

Try these three tips the next time you shop for watermelon and you will always get a good one!  Happy shopping and eating! 

Tuesday's Tip - Keeping deer out of the garden, naturally

Check it Out!  Since I have plenty of room this year I have decided to get the garden started.  A few weeks ago, I got my plot picked out, my soil turned and ready for planting.  I then put in 7 tomato plants, 1 pepper plant and some cucumbers.  Within 1 day of planting, I began to notice the deer tracks, and then I noticed he ate 3 of 7 of my plants!
The pic above is my garden a few days ago and it is kickin' butt!  But I had to come up with a way to get rid of the deer.  We aren't hunters and I don't like poisons because of my furbabies so I set out to find a way to do it naturally.
After several suggestions and trying things like hair and swinging nets, I heard that soap works.  A friend said she just nails a bar of soap on the post next to her garden and the smell keeps the deer away.  And when it rains the smell is released even more.  Well I have soap!  After spending 6 months in a hotel I also have a ton of those small travel hotel soaps, so I figured I would try them first.  I also don't have any trees in my yard, thanks to the previous owner cutting them ALL down, so I decided I would hang my soap and to cover my basis I would hang them in all 4 corners.
So using a nail, I put a hole in my soap and used cable ties to make loops to hang.

Again since I don't have trees, I used these trellises that I found in the shed, and hung a soap from each one.

I water my garden in the evenings if needed and when I do I be sure and hit those bars of soap to keep them smelling strong with the water.  So far so good, no deer have returned since coming and finding the soap bars.  I even broke a few in half and placed them in the dirt on the corner they are known to come from, that way when they put their noses to the ground they got that smell and not my tomatoes!  

Do you have a natural remedy for getting rid of pests in your garden?  I am open to all suggestions!

Tuesday's Tip - Meatloaf tips

Check it Out!  Meatloaf can be made many ways and we are pretty simple so my meatloaf recipe is super easy, ketchup, egg, ground chuck and Stove Top!  I use Stove Top Stuffing instead of bread crumbs because not only do I get bread crumbs but flavored ones at that!  It adds alot of flavor especially if you use the Savory Herbs kind.  I also microwave my meatloaf.  Takes about 18 minutes of cooking time and 5 minutes of standing time and tastes just as good as the oven, only a lot faster!  

My family really loves Meatloaf Pie and that is usually how I serve it.  Make your meatloaf in a pie plate, when done, transfer to a regular plate, cover the entire top with mashed potatoes and sprinkle on some shredded cheese if desired.  Slice it like a pie and serve!  We love it!

Tuesday's Tip - Making your patio tablecloth a custom fit

Check it Out!  It's springtime and if your like my family, time to spend time outdoors.  One of our favorite things to do is eat outside together.  If you use an umbrella on your table then you know you gotta have a hole in the center of your tablecloth to allow for it.  Yes you can buy them with holes but here is a tip on making your own, much cheaper!  I picked up a couple of vinyl with cloth backed tablecloths at Anna's for $2.50 each.  I do this because I can get a more custom size.  My table needs a 52" x 70" oblong size.

It is super simple to cut a hole in the center without having to cut the cloth into... just fold the cloth together long ways and then the other way, making sure your corners line up well.  

So on the inside corner edge you will cut out a half circle shape.  I made mine larger than it really needs to be, so always cut less than more, you can always cut more if it's not big enough.

Now just open it up and place it on the table and then add your umbrella.

You can also use a placemat and cut the center from it to make like a frame around the pole!  Use coordinating patterns for a festive look!   So now I need to make sure it doesn't fly up and around so I use some simple binder clips that I found in red and clearanced at Staples!

Just fold up the corner, kinda like a package...

And tuck the edges under the table.  My table has a little lip on the edge.

Simply attach the binder clip and flip back the tabs so they aren't hanging done.  I put 2 on each side of the table and I have one secure custom fitted table cloth.

Tuesdays Tip - Using your samples as useful decorations

Check it Out!  Having spent around 6 months in a hotel, I have amassed quite a little collection of mini soaps, lotions, shampoos, etc...  I decided I didn't just want to throw them in the closet as they can be very useful!  So I picked up this great glass container at Ross for about $6 and just dumped in the samples and put it on the kids bathroom counter.

So whether the kids run out of something or we have company that needs something, there is plenty in that jar to get us through! 

You could do the same thing with food samples as well.  Got alot of coffee samples, stick them in a pretty urn and display them on the counter.  Put your stock of snack bars in a bowl on the table.  This would also be great for your spare room, have company coming?  Stick a basket with all kinds of samples in it in the room for your guests to enjoy.  

Win a $1,000 via Combat to throw a Bug Free Backyard Bash

Check it Out!  If you like to throw outdoor bashes, you are gonna wanna head over HERE and get yourself entered to win $1,000 via Combat to throw your own Bug Free Backyard Bash!  And  you can get a great coupon too!  Sweepstakes end 9/13/12 at 3:00 PST. 

If you are having problems with bugs in or out of your home, this is a great site to get a ton of info on how to get rid of and prevent them as well as identifiers, to help you figure out exactly what type of bugs you have.



Tuesday's Tip - Ants

Check it Out!  It is ant season and if your like most of us, you have to battle them in some area of the home.  Commercial ant sprays are expensive and if ya have pets and kids, dangerous!

I have always used vinegar/hot water to kill fire ant beds in my yard, something my mom taught me and ants hate vinegar.  They also hate cinnamon, lemon juice, chili powder, cloves, salt and petroleum jelly. 

Here are a couple of other things that ants don't like:
*Cucumbers
*Talcum Powder
*Borax
*Mint
*Cloves
*Coffee Grinds

Tuesday's Tip - Thrifty Toy Storage

Check it Out!  If you have kids, you have toys, especially if you have more than one kid!  Having 3 we had a ton of toys, and with 3 so close in age, I needed a system for all those toys!  So here is a tip on how to store alot of toys!

When we moved into our home 10 years ago, my kiddos were only 4, 5 and 6.  We have a 4 bedroom home but I chose to bunk the boys together and use the third kids room as a playroom. 

The first thing I did was have hubby install shelving boards near the top of the wall.  I then used inexpensive bins and containers I picked up from the Dollar Tree to store toys/games and other kidstuff in. 

Using a system of 1 bin at a time, the kids could choose a bin/container to play with and only when it was cleaned up and put away could they have a new bin!

Worked great, especially with lego's, playdoh, and tea party stuff! 

Oh and that play table is a dining room table that had a center base originally and I removed the center and used the brackets and legs from one of those small round tables to make new shorter legs!

As my kids got older the toys changed and eventually we moved DJ into his own room. When we did, one of those shelves went into his room also and as they have gotten older these shelves have served so many purposes and have now evolved into book shelves and display areas!  Here is how that room looks now:



Tuesday's Tip - Microwaving

Check it Out!  I love my microwave and don't know what I would do without it!!  I reheat or cook with it pretty much everyday so today's tip is all about Microwaving!
So many foods can be cooked in the microwave including pasta, rice, fish, poultry, vegetables, potatoes and meats.  I always make my meatloaf and bacon in the microwave as well as baked potatoes.  Not only is it faster, they taste no different. 
When making meatloaf for the microwave, just remember to put a layer of tomato sauce on the top, I use ketchup, and to cover with saran wrap, leaving a 2" opening.  And for baked potatoes, just pierce the potato on each side with a fork to allow it to vent and cook for about 5 - 8 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoe.
When cooking bacon in the microwave, using a paper plate and paper towels allows for super easy clean up and the longer you cook it, the crispier it gets.  Just lay out strips on a paper plate, cover with paper towels and cook 5 - 7 minutes depending on the amount of bacon and how crispy you want it.

There are a few main things to remember no matter what your cooking or warming foods,
*always cover your dish -this allows the steam to build inside and that helps to kill any harmful bacteria and helps ensure more even cooking
*always stir and/or rotate your dish midway through to eliminate any cold spots and ensure more even cooking
*arrange poultry and fish so that the thinner ends are in the center with the
*always allow "Standing time" - which is just time after the "cooking" is done. When foods are microwaved they continue to cook while standing and allowing standing time lets the heat spread and level off.
*never use metal in the microwave
*make sure the glass dishes you use are microwaveable glass

And after all that cooking of course your gonna have to clean it and there are some easy ways to get that job done
*if your microwave is super cruddy, heat a bowl of water for 3 - 5 minutes and leave the door closed until the steam dissipates, then after carefully removing the hot water, use a moist cloth to wipe out the inside
*place 1/4 cup of vinegar in 1 cup of water and cook for 3 - 5 minutes to freshen and deodorize your microwave
*if a simple wipedown isn't enough, use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the tough spots

 

 

Tuesday's Tip

Check it Out !  WD40 is an amazing product that is great to keep around!  There are literally thousands of uses for it starting with removing crayon from walls!  From household uses to car and garage uses this is some amazing stuff!  Here are a few things that I use WD40 for:

*Cleaning the black metal parts of fireplaces

*Removes gum from floormats and carpet

*Remove scuff marks left by shopping carts from your auto

*Removing tape residue

*Keeps car locks from freezing in the winter

*Clean and protect rubber molding in autos or campers

*Remove tar and oil from hands

*Coat your metal horseshoes to keep them from rusting

*Keeps metal garden tools from rusting

*Clean super bad ashtrays

*Shining seashells

*Helps keep fishing tackle from rusting

*Removes scuff marks from pretty much any floor surface

*Protect the trucks on skateboards

*Unstick those pesky stuck together Lego's

*Remove crayons from inside the dryer

*Remove crayon from rock walls

And we also spray it on the bottom of our wooden stakes for yard sale signs, makes them slide through the dirt easier.

Do remember that on some surfaces you must wash the area after using the WD40 so that it doesn't leave it oily or when used on hard floors slippery.

Tuesday's Tip - Washing Machine Odors?

Check it Out!  My washing machine is one of the most used appliances in my home!  With 3 kids, there is an endless supply of laundry so taking care of my washer and dryer are top priority in this house!

I often hear people say that they have a smell inside their washer, and I always recommend a few things:

1. Always leave your washer door open, that allows it time to air dry and any water left in the bottom can evaporate reducing the chance of odors.

2.  Never leave clothes in the washer, whether dry and dirty or wet and clean they will both cause odors to build.

3.  About once every 3 months "clean" the washer by running an empty washer cycle with a packet of Lemonade Kool-Aid drink mix in the water.  The citric acid in the mix works well to remove stains and freshen it up!

Tuesday's Tip

Check it Out!  If you use fabric softener sheets in the dryer you may want to do a little easy maintenance to ensure that your dryer continues to work properly.  Fabric softener sheets can cause a film to form over your lint trap screen.  So just cleaning out the lint may not be enough.

There is an easy way see if your dryer is being affected, just rinse your lint trap screen under water, if the doesn't run right through, you have a film build-up.  Cleaning it with soap, water and a soft brush, like a toothbrush will remove the film.  Remember to allow it to completely dry before using the dryer again.

One of the best ways to keep your dryer running smoothly is to wash your lint trap screen at least once a month. 

Tuesday's Tip

Check it Out!  I learned many years ago how to clean up glass while doing insurance clean up work.  If you have ever broken glass, you know how it can leave super small slivers.  Some of those slivers you can't even see, until you step on them!!

It really isn't a great idea to use your vacuum, especially some of  the newer expensive ones, glass shards can damage it.  Once you have carefully removed all the large pieces of glass, sprinkle some baking soda on your broom, so the glass doesn't stick and sweep the area, starting on the perimeter and working your way into the bulk of the glass.  Once your done sweeping take your broom outside and shake it out really well, before using it again!

Once you have swept up the floor and removed all that you can with the broom and dustpan, grab a few pieces of loaf bread and you can either press them to the area or lightly run them over the area.  The tiny pieces will stick to the bread and then you can just throw the bread away!

I always mop the area, with a swiffer type mop as well when I am done, so I can just throw out the pad... just in case!! 

If your cleaning glass up on carpet and you do need to use your vacuum, make sure all large pieces are gone and use the hose attatchment to avoid the spinning brush on the bottom.  Duct tape strips are helpful but just remember it is almost impossible to remove every piece of glass from carpet, so use caution.

Do you have any tips for cleaning up glass?