Friday Favorites

10 Organizing Mantras to Help You Cut Clutter and Get More Done -   good list to help motivate and get more done
Folding a Napkin like a Bunny from Martha Stewart - just so cute I couldn't resist adding to Friday Favorites
50 New Uses for Old Things from Real Simple - some really good ideas such as using an old tape cassette for keeping your earphones or ipod wires neat  or using a tooth brush (clean of course) as a vegetable brush
Smart Gardner - I haven't had time to check this website out fully but just the little bit that I have looked at - looks interesting and helpful.   It can help plan your garden from start to finish. You tell it where you live it tells you what to plant and when, designs your garden for you and gives you daily reminders of what to do to your garden.
Raspberry Breakfast Bars - from Smitten Kitchen that look delish
Choosing an Eco-Friendly Pillow - a good article on finding an eco-friendly pillow  from Whole Living

Spring Cleaning

It is Spring Cleaning time and I am sick as in actually not feeling good. I mean sicker then I have been in 10 or more years. It is driving me crazy as I really was all ready to tackle my Spring Cleaning lists. We have a very special someone coming to visit us in April so I wanted all my Spring Cleaning to be done and things to be organized and refreshed in the house.  I have been sick a lot this year already, so has put me behind schedule in my normal cleaning routines. I haven't been able to clean like I usually do on a daily basis so things add up.  I mean simple things that are just part of my routine like filing are stacked so they are falling over into a bigger mess. I usually shred things 2 to 4 times a year and I haven't at all since last Spring. So I am behind and it is driving me crazy (luckily this last year didn't have that much shredding so the pile isn't completely out of control).  I am hoping today that I can get some filing done because at least it doesn't require a lot of moving around which has been creating coughing attacks.

But in the mean time while I heal and get healthy,  I am sharing with you some Spring cleaning lists, how-to guides, and just some general tips and tricks to maybe help you in your Spring Cleaning.

Spring Cleaning lists...
Living Areas
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Closets and Laundry Room
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside


How-to...
Cleaning the Toaster
Cleaning the Microwave
Cleaning Your Computer
Washing Pillows
Cleaning your Dishwasher
Folding Towels
Folding Fitted Sheets Video and Folding Sheets photos (plus to ways to fold to store them neatly)



Tips...
Overhaulin  - some spring cleaning tips
Spring Cleaning Tips - links to more spring cleaning lists too
100 Reasons to Get Rid of It - a great source for if you are recycling and need places to donate or dispose of items
A Quicker Clean House
5 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Clean
Tackling the Endless To-Do List

Cleaning Your Computer

We are upon that season called "Spring Cleaning" and this would be a good time to clean your computer. Always start with your instruction manuals for cleaning to see if they have specific cleaning directions.




Supplies:
Microfiber clothes
Cotton Swabs and/or Foam Swabs (like clean eye shadow applicators)
Canned Air
Water or Water/Vinegar Solution


* Turn off computer and unplug electrical cords. Take out the battery if it is a laptop.
*  Never spray anything directly on to the computer instead spray the cloth or swab with water or a water/vinegar solution
* Wipe down computer case, speakers, knobs, vents with a slightly damp cloth or use swab over small knobs/buttons or inputs - follow with a dry microfiber cloth.  For stubborn spots, mix a bit of dish soap in with your vinegar/water solution and wipe down again.
* Wipe down the screen with a barely damp microfiber cloth (just water is best for screen). Don't push hard on stubborn spots as it can harm the computer monitor.  Just dampen your cloth again with water and go over it again and again until it is gone.   Do not use any papertowels or tissues on the screen as it can scratch some screens. Do not spray directly on the screen - spray on the cloth and use the dampened cloth on your screen.  Don't use any commercial brand cleaner like Windex or alcohol on your screen as it might react adversely. Just use water or if having a tough spot use water/vinegar solution.
* Turn your keyboard upside down over a wastebasket.  Give a few gentle shakes or taps to the bottom to dislodge debris under the keys. Holding the keyboard upside down over the wastebasket, spray some canned air to shoot between each row of keys.  
* Take a swab dipped in water/vinegar solution and go over the keys, cleaning them. The tops and the outside of them.  You can also just use a slightly damp cloth to go over the tops. 
* Wipe your mouse down with a damp microfiber cloth.  If you have a optical mouse, take a cotton swab with the tip damp with water or vinegar/water solution and run it over the the bottom lens (where it shows red light when turned on).  If you have a trackball, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe over the balls several times so it has spun all the way around. 

2 Week Menu Plan

Week 1

1) Lasagna; asparagus (Update: The sauce on that asparagus link is AWFUL. Thankfully, I tried it with only one bite and didn't ruin the entire bunch of spears. My fall back will always be some butter and kosher salt. I don't know why I try and get creative. Creative tastes like POOP, lol.)

2) Enchiladas; refried beans; salsa rice

3) Tomato soup and grilled cheese

4) Pot roast, mushrooms, carrots, potatoes; dinner salad.

5) Chili; corn bread; Fritos (M can't eat chili without Fritos!)

6) Burgers and fries

7) Leftovers.

Week 2

1) Roast chicken; garlic mashed potatoes; roasted cauliflower

2) Chicken pot pie (using Meal 1′s leftover chicken, I hope); salad

3) Potato soup and turkey sandwiches on homemade rolls

4) "Hamburger Heaven"; cheddar-garlic biscuits

5)Tetrazzini (only with turkey); Caesar salad

6) Pulled pork on buns; raw vegetables with dip; cucumber-onion salad

7) Leftovers

Friday Favorites

Folding Towels - a video that shows 3 ways to fold towels so they stack and look nice
How to Clean a Dishwasher - with spring cleaning upon us - this might be a good idea to add to the list
Easy Lunch Ideas for Work - some healthy lunch ideas
100 Ways to Use Old Magazines - always good to recycle/repurpose
Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Aioli - Brussel Sprouts is a veggie I don't care for but will eat but this actually looks good to me

30 Minute Meals - March Question Month

Jan asked, "I would like to know what is your go to dishes that you can make in 30 minutes for dinner? I have a full-time job, kids, serving Master and I just need some quick go to dinners."

I think a big part of being able to make wonderful dinners in a short period of time is in the planning. Once per month I try and purchase items in bulk and do as much prep ahead as I can. I always try to keep cooked ground beef in the freezer so that I can add that quickly into sauces, soups, pastas, tacos, or whatever other areas I might use ground beef (or turkey or chicken). I also try to keep diced peppers & onions on hand (both in the refrigerator and freezer). This helps for less prep work during the week. I also clean and cut up all fruits that need prepping when I purchase them, so that they are on hand for whenever I want to add them to a dinner or provide a healthy snack for my kids.

I also am a big believer in utilizing my crockpot and rice cooker. Nothing more wonderful than popping something into the crock pot and then only having to add a salad or side dish to call it a complete meal at the end of the day.

My quick go to meals during the week (when I would need a 30 minute meal the most) are:

1. Chicken Ceasar salad. You can grill up extra chicken ahead of time when making it for another dinner and set it aside for one of those busy week night meals. Then just add it to the salad, toss dressing in, and go. Dinner is ready in about five minutes flat. For those who aren't calorie counters, it's nice to pair this with some fresh bread & honey butter.

2. Cheeseburger Pie. (my kids love this one, as does Himself).
1lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef ( I prefer to use either 93% lean beef, or turkey for this one). I also usually use one of the packets I have already browned and crumbled in the freezer. Just defrost and use.

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz) (we like extra sharp cheddar but any will do)
1/2 cup Original Bisquick® mix ( I use the reduced fax bisquick)
1 cup milk (I use fat free milk)
2 eggs

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Spray 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray.
2. In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in salt. Spread in pie plate. Sprinkle with cheese.
3. In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients with fork or wire whisk until blended. Pour into pie plate.
4. Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

I serve this with a side of steamed vegetables (such as broccoli or cauliflower) and a side salad. You could also serve it with french fries or another potato type.

Also if you are using the precooked beef, then just sauté the onion in a pan, add beef at the last two minutes, and drain. then add to pie dish.

Pork Roast (crockpot cooking)
Cut up sweet potatoes into quarters (I use one potato per person who will be eating). Place these on the bottom of your crockpot. Place a pork roast on top of the potatoes. Next layer in a bag of mini carrots on top. Add one can of whole berry cranberry sauce on top. Cover and cook in crockpot for 8 to 10 hours on low heat. Before serving, you can either slice up the roast and serve in slices, or you can pull the pork and mix with BBQ sauce for pulled pork sandwiches.

I serve this with a green vegetable and a side salad.

Buffalo Chicken Pizza
For a quick homemade pizza, this one is super easy. I use pizza crust that I usually have on hand in the freezer (but you can also use pillsbury pizza crust in a pinch). Use chicken that you have cooked earlier in the week for another meal such as a roast chicken (I always try to cook once to eat twice to save time). Take the precooked chicken and dice it up (or pull it into pieces). Mix with ranch dressing and hot sauce (Use however much hot sauce you like -- we like it spicy). Spread a thin layer of cream cheese onto pizza crust. Top with chicken mixture, cover with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees until chicken is heated through and cheese is melted.

Serve with celery & carrot sticks (my kids love these) or a side salad.
Simple, easy, and filling.

You can make a lighter version of this by using reduced fat cheese, fat free cream cheese, and reduced fat or fat free ranch dressing.

I also love Rachel Ray's 30 minute meal cookbooks. I think I have 3 or 4 of them. She has some great meal ideas and its fun to try new things.

But for me the biggest time saver is always in cooking once and eating twice, or prepping in bulk.

enjoy!

March Question Month: To-do Lists

Anonymous asks: When you can't keep your focus or get overwhelmed by the endless to-do list, what helps on stay on track to get it all done?

For me, it helps to break those overwhelming lists into smaller lists. Instead of focusing on the big picture and ultimately throwing in the towel because it seems an impossible task, I rewrite the lists into manageable portions. You can divide daily tasks into morning and afternoon tasks. Do one weekly task a day. You can assign bigger projects to one afternoon a week, or one weekend day.

Prioritize things with the help of the ones who care. For instance, I might think that it's a huge deal that I don't dust every single day, when Master only thinks it's necessary to dust once a week. I can then scratch dusting off of the daily chore list, guilt-free. If you've really just got too much on your plate, sit down and figure out which things have to go. There really are only so many hours in the day, and so much energy to go around. Maybe that 3 acre garden needs seriously downsized. Maybe the artsy side business needs to be shelved for a few years. Maybe every night home-cooking organic and creative meals can wait until the mandatory overtime at work is cut out. Maybe hiring a once a week/once a month maid service is feasible and opens up time to rejuvenate.

Find out what makes things go a little more smoothly. If shopping day is Monday, then Sunday night means going to bed with morning chores completed; then Monday doesn't feel so rushed. If certain days of the week run later and making dinner is stressful on those days, choose another day that has more time and make a meal ahead of time, or make a double batch a few nights (which is barely any extra work at all) and pop them in the freezer.

Sometimes I use a timer to help. I can set the timer for 15 or 30 minute intervals and spend that much time tackling one huge task that I find overwhelming, like organizing a closet or storeroom. Looking at it in terms of minutes rather than completion helps me to find the gumption to go at it. I can do anything for 15 minutes. If I want to work at it longer, I do, but I don't allow myself to quit until the timer goes off. And if it takes me several days to complete it, that's okay. I AM completing it and that's the bottom line, plus I'm not crabby, tired, frustrated or irritable in the process. Nor am I doing it at the expense of ignoring other necessary chores.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Got kids? Use them. My 2 yr old granddaughter loves to put the silverware away when I unload the dishwasher. She likes matching the spoons and forks and she loves to help. Win-win. My older kids do their own laundry, which cut down significantly on my loads. When my son walks to the bus stop, he takes the garbage out with him. When my daughter goes to take a shower, she scoops the litter box. Streamline it for them, too, and there is less balking.

Good luck!

March Question Month: 30 Minute Meals

Jan asked, "I would like to know what is your go to dishes that you can make in 30 minutes for dinner? I have a full-time job, kids, serving Master and I just need some quick go to dinners."


I don't have kids but it seems lately I have so much is on my plate that those quick meals are my mainstay. I would say half of my go-to quick dinners are  prepped-ahead and half is just pulling from the pantry right in he moment.

Prep and Make Ahead

I have been trying to do some more make ahead meals so that I can take them from the freezer the night before so they are thaw and ready to pop in the oven for dinner.  No prep often allows me the luxury of 30 to 40 mins baking.  I usually do cooking for 2 to 3 meals on one day for the make-ahead type meals.  Or try to make a double batch of something so we can eat one and freeze the other.

When I come home from shopping, I also like to try to prep a little so that helps me save time in the long run. Such as if I get big family size package of hamburger - 3 to 5 lbs then I brown some of it right away to use in a casserole or tacos (I often brown burger in the microwave), or bake meatballs, or make hamburger patties. Freeze them so I can pull it out and use without much prep.  Sometimes even defrosting in the microwave to use in minutes.  Boneless skinless chicken breasts are another thing I prep at times - I put what I would need for a meal in ziplock and cover it with a marinade and then freeze. I take them out the night before I plan on using and let them marinade while defrosting. I also bake or grill up a few, chop and add to a labeled ziplock so I can use for chicken tacos , on baked potatoes, in soup, or added to a pasta.

I am going to also share that I have a cheat that makes no matter what I make - look like a real meal.  I can serve a salad or soup from a can but because I often make homemade bread with it - it looks like a nicer meal even though it was quick and easy. I use Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  It is making up a big batch of dough and then using just some of the dough to make a loaf of bread.  It does usually take more then 5 minutes as it doesn't add in the rise time. But it still is fairly quick with little work.

I also use my crockpot a lot so that things can be added in the morning and done for dinner.  I know a lot of time crockpot produces a liquid but I always make sure I add some to begin with too - just so it won't be dry by the end of the day.

Quick and Easy Dinner on the spot

When I need a meal that is going to be quick and easy, I use the microwave and grill.

Such as I want roasted potatoes but normally that would take 40 minutes to an hour to roast in the oven. I chop the potatoes and place in a bowl with some water and microwave so that I am boiling them. I then drain the water, toss with some olive oil and seasonings to add to the oven.

Or I boil sliced potatoes in the microwave to use in a frittata. I do layers of potatoes, veggies and sometimes bacon or ham. I mix up some eggs and pour it over top and bake it.

I microwave baked potatoes too - to help speed up baking time.  I wash them, pierce several times with a fork, wrap in a paper towel and  microwave for 4 to 7 minutes - depending on size of potatoes. After I have microwaved then I bake them for just a bit. I coat them with some olive oil and sea salt, wrap in tinfoil and bake for 15 to 20 mins in the oven.

I steam most veggies in the microwave.  I use frozen veggies often - easy to keep in the freezer and use for meals.

My easiest meals:
* Grilled chicken breasts, baked potatoes, steamed veggies.  Frozen chicken breasts can be thawed in the microwave in minutes.  While thawing those, I prep my potatoes.  After they are thawed, I might marinade for 10 mins while my potatoes or in the microwave. I get the grill warming up.  Then after the potatoes are in the oven, I put the chicken breasts on the grill and add veggies to steam in the microwave.

* Really meat, potato and veggie is my go to easiest meal - I grill burgers, steak,  porkchops or chicken breasts and add a potato and veggies and we have a meal.

* Burritos, nachos or tacos - I either use some ground beef or turkey already browned and ready to go in the freezer or I brown some in a pan or in the microwave.  I drain the meat after browned and then add a can of tomatoes with chili (such as Rotel), heat a can of refried beans up, get cheese and sour cream out and any other fixings .

* Pasta -

• Spaghetti and Meatballs - I usually bake up meatballs ahead of time so I can pull from the freezer to use.  But even making meatballs and baking them in the moment doesn't take too long.  Boil pasta, add meatballs and toss it all with sauce - heat through. If you want some veggies do a side of steamed veggies or add a side salad. 
• Pasta, chicken and pesto - Chicken even if it is not cooked ahead - grill it, chop it up and mix with cooked pasta and then toss it all with pesto. Heat it all through in minutes on the stovetop.   Add in some steamed veggies in with it or as a side.  
• Pasta, white beans, seasoned diced tomatoes - Cook the pasta, drain and then tossed with a can of white beans that are drained and rinsed, a can of seasoned diced tomatoes (such as the Italian or basil and garlic) - heat through and then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. It has good flavor and is quick. Add in some steamed veggies in with it or as a side.  
• Italian sausages, pasta and sauce  - I microwave Italian sausage to get them cooked through and then toss on the grill for a few minutes or pan fry so the outside browned,  keep whole or slice them and toss with some pasta and sauce or just a can of diced tomatoes. Add in some steamed veggies in with it or as a side.  

* Salads - making a big thing of salad up and using it for lunches and as a side dish for dinner but I also do them for dinner as the main entree. I add some grilled chicken to salad and serve with some bread - it is dinner.

* Variations of Grilled Cheese - I do grilled cheese with sloppy joe mixture, taco mixture, sliced turkey breast from the deli, apples or pears,  or sauteed veggies - adding in any cheese I have on hand - basically taking what I have available in my fridge and making it into a grilled cheese.  On the same note - sloppy joes or taco joes - ground meat on a burger with any topping you desire.

* Breakfast for dinner - eggs, sausage and toast, scrambled eggs with veggies and/or ham, or pancakes and sausage. I add some fruit and that is dinner. We like breakfast for dinner.

*  I do a variation of Martha Stewart's Cheesy Hash Brown Bake. Instead of making chili - I just take 2 cans of chili beans. Those are the kind of beans that have chili sauce in them so they are seasoned and ready to add to chili.  I add browned ground beef to it and mix up so incorporated well pour into a 9 x 13 pan. I don't do the individual pans. I sprinkle cheese on top of the chili mixture and then add the hash browns. I have used frozen hash browns before and they just don't brown up as well but still are cooked and taste good with the chili that is cheesy and bubbling underneath.

* Sloppy Joe Skillet -  Empty contents of one box of cornbread stuffing in a bowl and add 1 2/3 cups hot water. Mix until just moistened and set aside. Brown 1 lb. ground beef, add 1 to 1 1/2 cups veggies (such as chopped mixed bell peppers, sliced mushroom and chopped onions)  and when they are getting soft and the onions translucent.  Add a couple dashes of Worcestershire sauce, a small can of tomato paste, 3/4 cup water, 1 can of  diced tomatoes (don't drain add the liquid in the skillet too) - simmer for about 5 mins until mixture is well incorporated and thick. Then add the stuffing on the top of the mixture and simmer for 3 more minutes covered.  Serve.  I serve with a side salad or steamed broccoli or cauliflower.  This a variation of Kraft's Sloppy Joe Skillet.

I am stopping there but those are on my list of go-to quick dinners. I need them when are so busy with work and I also a chronic illness that makes it at times impossible for me to think about what am I going to make for dinner so going to this list of things - is the best option for me.

30 Minute Meals - March Question Month

Jan asked, "I would like to know what is your go to dishes that you can make in 30 minutes for dinner? I have a full-time job, kids, serving Master and I just need some quick go to dinners."

I imagine some of the other writers will chip in here too, but here are my ideas and philosophies for quick meals.

First, I believe as a general rule we make food way more complicated than it needs to be most of the time.  I like a big production of a meal when time allows but for everyday: simple, healthy, and fast is the way I prefer.

If you have a crock pot / slow cooker.  Find some recipes your family loves and use that thing to death.  I make lots of soups and roasts in mine and love coming home to a house that smells like yummy food when I've done hardly any work.

With that being said here are our favorite meals:

Chicken Taco Salads: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Saute cubed chicken breasts sauteed with onions and green peppers.  Add some water and taco seasoning, letting the water evaporate and leaving you with seasoned chicken meat.  Cut corn tortillas into wedges and spread onto a baking sheet, spray the wedges with olive oil or cooking spray.  Cook in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until crisp and just starting to brown.  Divide the tortilla wedges among your plates, top with seasoned chicken meat, lettuce, salsa, cheese, sour cream, etc.  Alternatively you could just use store-bought tortilla chips instead of baking the corn tortillas. You could also add some reheated black or pinto beans to the salads to bulk it up more.

Pan Fried Meat & Roasted Asparagus: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Trim rough ends from asparagus and spread out onto a cookie sheet.  Drizzle the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Using your hands coat the spears with the oil.  Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, until tender.  While the asparagus roasts cook up some pork chops, steaks, or chicken breasts in a pan over high heat.  Simple, healthy, and filling.

Bean & Cheese Quesadillas: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  In a bowl mix together a can (or two depending on how many you're serving) of refried beans with some salsa - just enough to get it all moving together.  On a baking sheet place a few flour tortillas, spread each tortilla with a layer of the bean and salsa mixture, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of that.  Top with another flour tortilla and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until tortillas is browning and cheese is melted.  Serve with more salsa, sour cream, cheese, etc.  Add a salad and you have a quick and filling meal.

Hope that helps and gives you a few ideas!

Friday Favorites

How to Install a Light Fixture - photos along with instructions
Lunch Box Gallery - it can help give you ideas for lunch.  It is photos of lunch box contents.
White Bean and Sage Patties -  these I think would be good if you do a meatless meal. They served it with roasted tomatoes - just sounds delicious!
Mess Free Painting Tips - from the Family Handy Man
Hanging a Curtain Rod - Made Simple - using just a piece of cardboard she was able to make hanging a curtain rod look easy.

March Question Month

Ask any question related to Domestic Service and one or more of us will answer your question. Please feel free to ask multiple questions. No limit! If you prefer to ask your questions via email, please email Danae at danaewhispering@yahoo.com 

Snickerdoodle Bars

I brought these on a picnic this summer  because they were easy to make. But as I said with the pie I posted snickerdoodle pie - I think these are a good for autumn and winter.  These are a cross between a snickerdoodle cookie and blondies. 

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp white sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
a pinch ground nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 pan. Combine flour baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat together butter and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes. Add in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, and beat until smooth.

Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and pinch of nutmeg in a little bowl. Evenly sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the batter.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until surface springs back when gently pressed. Cool before cutting. Makes 20-24 bars.

NOTE:
It is a thicker batter almost like a cookie. I had to press it lightly into the pan.

How to Wash Pillows

Pillows spend a lot of time under your head so it can be gross to think about them not being washed.  They really need to be washed occasionally. Pillows should be washed at least every 6 months. But I usually wash mine once a season. If you have multiple pillows rotating them helps prolong their life and determines how often needing washing. If after washing, there are still odors that linger then it is time to replace pillows. 


First check the label of your pillow to find out if there are any care instructions and what the pillow is filled with so you know how to wash it.


Such as, polyester fiber pillows can be cleaned in a washing machine, while goose down and feather pillows are a little harder to clean but many are still machine washable. Down or feather pillows will break down over many washing and so you will need to either add more down/feathers or replace them.  Foam pillows such as Memory Foam should be hand washed and not put in the dryer. 


You can wash pillows by hand but it does take more work and time. My tips and instructions are for machine washable pillows. 


WASHING PILLOWS
* Wash pillows without pillowcases or protective coverings on them. 
*  Fill the washer with HOT water. Hot water kills germs and dust mites.
* Use a mild liquid detergent such as Woolite rather then a powder or other liquid detergents which leave soapy residue behind. 
* Place 2 pillows in the washer so that the machine is balanced
* Run through gentle or delicate cycle 
* Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. It will help with disinfecting and also help remove soapy residue. 
* If there is a soapy residue left after the cycles have ended, do one more rinse cycle and that should take care of any soap left.  
* If pillows are still extremely wet after cycle is done. Do another spin cycle to help remove the excess water.


DRYING PILLOWS
* Remove from washing machine and press excess water by placing it between 2  thick towels. Do not twist or wring especially with feather pillows as you will smash not fluff the feathers. 
* Place the 2 pillows in the dryer and put on air-dry for feather or down pillows and poly fiber pillows should be on a low-heat setting. The higher heat can cause the pillow filling to clump together.  If it is a nice sunny day you can hang outside to dry. 
* Stop the dryer every so often to fluff. Or you can put a couple of tennis balls in the dryer to keep the pillows fluffy. Make sure you put each tennis ball into a white tube sock so that the dyes in the tennis ball don't transfer to the pillow.  Honestly though I don't like the sound the tennis balls make while in the dryer so I just hand fluff every so often. 


IN BETWEEN WASHING
Sometimes the pillows just need a little bit of fluffing between washing. I use a spray bottle filled with equal parts of  hot water and vinegar and then 10 to 20 drops of essential oils. I use whatever essential oil I am in the mood for - lavender, tea tree, peppermint, lemon, orange, or rosemary (all of these have disinfecting qualities to them)....usually using a combination of 2.  Remove pillow protectors and use spray all over the pillows so that they are fairly saturated. Throw the pillows into the dryer on low-heat setting. Fluffing every so often. 

Friday Favorites

 A Quicker Way to Clean House -  An article where 3 Pro's were asked about house cleaning solutions
Facial Moisturizer - Homemade facial moisturizer
Savory Sausage and White Bean Stew with Crispy Sage Topping - sounds delicious
Make Your Own Dinnerware - using a marker for dishes you write on the plates and then bake it to set it
Eating Near Poverty Line @ Whole Foods Market - this blog post I thought was interesting.  A family of 3 used the USDA "Thrifty Budget" for one month and it talks about the experience.

Breakfast Pockets

I made the recipe without many changes, but when I make them next time I would like to try another dough recipe as 1/2 cup vegetable oil seems like a lot to me. But the dough baked nice and an even better trait of the dough was when they were reheated in the microwave straight from the freezer they seem to keep moisture and not become dried out.  Sometimes bread can dry out coming straight from the freezer to microwave. These were a hit and nice to just warm up in the morning - especially when on the go.

Ingredients

Dough
1 1/2 tblsp yeast
1/2 c warm water (110 degrees)
3/4 c evaporated milk (110 degrees)
1/2 c vegetable oil
1/4 c sugar
1 egg
1 tsp salt
3 1/2 c flour

Filling
1 lb bulk breakfast sausage
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups frozen hashbrown potatoes, thawed
1/4 cup bell peppers, chopped
1/4 cup mushrooms
7 large eggs
3 tblsp milk
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
pinch of cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Dough:
In a bowl, dissolve yeast in the water. Add milk, oil, sugar, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough flour until it makes a soft dough but do not knead. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.  (OR add ingredients in order manufacturer recommends to bread machine and select dough setting. Take out, put in bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.)

Filling:
Cook the sausage and onion over medium heat until almost browned. Add bell pepper and mushrooms. Cook until sausage is browned and veggies are tender.  Drain. Add the hashbrowns, eggs, milk, and spices. Cook and stir until set. Sprinkle with cheese and keep warm.

Assembling the pockets:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Punch down the dough and cut into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into 7 in circle on a floured surface. Top with 1/3 c filling, fold, and pinch shut. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

To freeze:
Allow to cool on the baking sheet. Once cooled, place in the freezer until frozen. Store in a ziploc bag in the freezer for 3-6 months. To reheat, place on a paper towel and microwave for 1 1/2-2 minutes.

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Friday Favorites

Weekly Menus - it not only is weekly menus, but shopping list and recipes to go with the menus
Fast Customer - This is only available for United States and Canada - no more waiting on hold for Customer Service...this app will connect you to customer service reps without waiting on the line. I am not sure if it is available for anything other then iPhone but felt it was too good to not post.
Southwest Turkey Meatballs with Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Decals on Canisters - step by step instructions on how to make them and apply them and even make the decals dishwasher safe.
Couponing for Beginners - from Frugal Girls - they have a coupon database on their website.

Dirty laundry

Danae asked me to share a post I had written about my love of laundry.

One of the first things that stopped my owner in his tracks is when he saw that I had two books on laundry on my 'service' bookshelves. It's one of my favorite chores.

I perform valet services as well as laundering. That includes laying out his clothes on a daily basis, providing at least twice a week changes of fresh sheets and towels (pillowcases are changed out more frequently) and providing a change of comfortable clothes after work if he wants, including fresh socks since he doesn't wear slippers. It also includes being available to serve as his barber or provide a hot towel shave and facial massage. I also assist in dressing him in the mornings if I am available, or in the evenings before we go out.

As for the laundry, some of my favorite tips:

• We use homemade laundry detergent.
  
• I have a solid understanding of fabric types including specialty fibers such as cashmere, and how to launder them from my fiber arts.
  
• I tend to run loads according to the fabric type (for temperature and level of agitation) and color, and save handwash items to do in a batch at one time.
• When transferring items to the dryer, I try to snap them out so the items are not wadded up.
  
• I don't overdry items.
  
• I never use fabric softener with towels or items intended to be absorbent.
• Often, the only softener I'll use is diluted vinegar.
  
• Unmatched items are not placed back into the drawers until they are paired up again.
• My preference is to fold things right away if possible.
  
• If items are worn to the point where they need to be replaced, I bring it to his attention. It's his call if he wants new ones purchased.
  
• I monitor seasonal items and launder/store them as needed.
• I also can perform bootblacking and leather care.

He's very appreciative. He's commented on how much softer and more absorbent his towels are and how much he enjoys sliding into fresh, crisp sheets on a far more regular basis than he was used to.

He's never short on clean items to wear, never has to fish around in a drawer for matching socks, and enjoys that he doesn't have to manage when and how the laundry gets done.

Fresh bedding, changes of clothing and clean towels just somehow happen. :)

Snickerdoodle Pie

I  made pie yesterday - pumpkin because I had several cans of pumpkin in my pantry that I want to start using. But  I really wanted to make this pie because I have been craving it.  I love all things Snickerdoodle.  This pie is very good - but it is more like a cake in a pie crust.  It is a good  pie for autumn and winter. 

Adapted from BHG 

Crust Layer: 
1 Single-Crust Pie Pastry or 1 rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust 
1 tbsp. granulated sugar 
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 
2 tsp. butter, melted 

Syrup: 
1/2 cup packed brown sugar 
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 
1/4 cup butter 
3 tbsp. water 
2 tbsp. light-colored corn syrup 
1/2 tsp. vanilla 

Pie Filling/Batter: 
1/4 cup butter, softened 
1/2 cup granulated sugar 
1/4 cup powdered sugar 
1 tsp. baking powder 
1/4 tsp. salt 
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 
1 egg 
1/2 cup milk 
1 tsp. vanilla 
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare pastry and line 9-inch pie plate. In bowl combine sugar and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Brush melted butter over crust. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. of cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside. 

2. For syrup, in saucepan combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, the water, corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Set aside. 

3. For pie batter, bowl beat 1/4 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds in a mixing bowl. Beat in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar until well combined. Beat in egg and 1 tsp. vanilla. Gradually beat in milk until combined. Beat in flour. Spread evenly in crust-lined pie plate. 

4. Slowly pour syrup over the filling in pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cover edges of pie with foil. 

5. Bake pie 25 minutes; carefully remove foil. Bake about 20 minutes more or until top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 10 servings. 


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Friday Favorites

Homemade Vapor Rub  - Not a lot of ingredients and easy to make.
Homemade Wrinkle Release Spray  - I haven't ever bought the commercial brand stuff but my sister uses it all the time as she hates to iron so making it homemade would save money.  I can see where having some on hand would be nice for those moments when you realize that shirt you are wanting to wear right now has been buried in the bottom of a drawer.
Hungarian Beef Goulash - a warm stick to your bones kind of recipe
Keep Wrapping Paper Neat - this is one of those tips that I look and go - I wish I would have thought of that years ago
Painting Kitchen Cabinets  - I like the look of these cabinets and would love to do that with the kitchen cabinets

Guest Post: Pack like a Pro and Other OCD Tips

Is packing intimidating to you? Do you avoid it till the last minute because it is just too overwhelming? Do you find yourself repeatedly on vacation with no underwear and eight pairs of socks? Never again! Take my hand – we can get thru this together!

First off you need a spreadsheet. This is a NEED not a want. Just trust me. Don’t be afraid. You do not have to color code it or do anything fancy, that is for the advanced course. I use Google Docs because it is web based and can be shared with others. That way your owner can review it and add or delete. AND, you can copy it and adjust it for different trips.

Now think. What kind of trip is this? Camping? Conference? Vacation? Work? Will you have electricity (will you need a voltage converter)? Do you have to prepare meals? Will there be special clothing needs (formal, costume, sports)? What will the weather be like? How long is the trip? If this seems overwhelming don’t worry we will take it one day at a time. No, I mean it. Really . . .

Are you as excited as I am? Of course you are! Let’s get started.

On the first page I like to include a section for Transportation, Accommodations and other information like contact numbers of those I am traveling with and their travel and accommodations.

Under Transportation you might include:

• flight confirmation numbers
• flight numbers and times
• rental car confirmation numbers
• numbers for local taxi
• phone number of accommodations if they provide free transfers
• address of your destinations (through the trip)

Under Accommodations you might want to include:

• hotel confirmations numbers
• address and phone of hotel
• address of place near by you may need like; grocery, drug store, liquor store, beauty shop.

OK now you are there safe and sound! What to wear? Start a new page and make a column or list for each day of your trip.

Will the weather be warmer or colder where you are heading? Think about what you will be doing. Tonight you might be going to a formal dinner. Picture yourself getting ready . . .(dream sequence)

You are wearing your little black dress, definitely need the super tummy holding in panties for this or, will someone be seeing those panties later? Better to go with the sexy ones then. Eeks - bra straps - toss that one to the side and get the strapless. Nylons . . . no thigh highs – need a garter belt, grrr a run - good thing you brought an extra pair! Add your heels - think ahead a little - can you choose a pair that will go with another outfit? Now that you look beautiful grab your little evening bag and wrap as you head out the door. And when you get back from your awesome evening, will you visit the hot tub or just slip into jammies? So your day one clothing list might look like this:

AM:

• comfy travel pants
• t-shirt
• comfy bra and panties
• sweater
• socks (remember you have to take your shoes off in security if you are flying)
• comfy shoes
• travel bag (spreadsheet with travel info, tickets, ID/passport, purse, snacks, reading material, travel pillow/blanket, etc.)

PM

• black dress
• strapless bra
• black lace panties
• 2 pair thigh highs
• garter belt
• heels
• evening bag
• wrap or sweater

• swim suit
• cover up
• slippers or flip flops

• PJs
• Robe

Go through this process again for hair and make up. Do you need something special for your hair? Will you do false eyelashes? Chip a nail? Headache or catch a cold on the trip? Once you have this list you can use it for every trip and refine and add things as you learn you need them. No worries if you forget something in the beginning, you have the address of a nearby drug store remember?

Use this same method when packing for someone else. Picture their process getting ready and all the little things that might go wrong. It is so satisfying to have that one thing they did not know they would need.

The process also works for food, camping supplies, any trip you can think of. There are also many packing lists online you can compare with yours. Packing this way is so much fun and every time you have something you need in a pinch, you get to do a tush wiggling happy dance!

BIO: My name is Lacey. I am is a service submissive from the Baltimore Maryland area. I have been in service to the same Master for four years and am constantly striving to find new fun ways to please Him.  I have presented classes on Service Submission, Mental Orgasm, Rope Bottoming and others at Atlanta Bound IV 2011, Duck Stock Lite 2009, 2010 Duck Stock 2010, 2011 and Frolicon 2011. I love to share my passion for service! You are welcome to contact me any time on Fetlife or email.