Friday, April 26, 2013
LUCY'S LOCKETS GIVEAWAY!!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Tip of the Day #305: Understanding Laundry Symbols
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Tip of the Day #304: Uses for Milk
1. Put frozen fish in a dish of milk to thaw. This improves the flavor and texture so that it tastes like fresh caught fish.
2. Facial Mask – milk has moisturizing properties that you can use for a facial mask. Prepare half a cup of milk powder then add a little water. Stir the mixture until you have a thick paste. Spread the milk facial mask on your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your face and rinse. Your skin will feel softer.
3. Dab milk onto mild sunburn for a cooling effect and will prevent further damage. Mix powdered milk with water and 2 pinches of salt. Apply to burn.
4. Boost the flavor of corn. Pour some milk in water and boil. Drop the corn in the boiling milk/water mixture. Leave it in the pot until the mixture boils. Cook corn for as long as you normally, would. You will notice a sweeter taste.
5.Makeup remover and face cleanser. Make a thick paste of powdered milk and water as a make-up remover. Rinse well after removing the paste.
6. Liquid milk cleans patent leather to a shine. Rub it with a little milk on a soft cloth. Allow to dry and then buff them.
7. Relief for Insect Bites – Milk, relieves the itch and swelling of insect bites. Make a solution of milk, water and salt, and apply it to the bites.
8. China Repair – fine cracks sometimes are repaired by boiling them in milk. The milk proteins, will react to the china then turn into an adhesive. Remember it doesn’t always work, but sometimes it does.
9. Furniture Cleaner and Polisher – Mix milk and lemon juice and you have an excellent furniture polish. You can add essential oil to the mix for a fresh scent.
10.Plant Cleaner – You can clean your plants using skimmed milk. It will clean dirt, sap and stains off of the leaves. Rinse it off of your plants after cleaning.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Tip of the Day #303: Read before your next Grocery Shopping Trip!
People can easily go overboard when it comes to spending money on groceries! Read the following tips to lower your bill and prevent you from making unnecessary purchases:
1. Create a Meal Plan for the entire
duration of your budgeted grocery bill. For example, if you are buying 2 weeks worth of groceries, plan meals for the entire two weeks.
Read about effective meal planning here: http://www.amumntheoven.blogspot.ca/2012/02/effective-meal-planning.html?m=1
2. In addition to the meal plans, make a list of all items needed and STICK TO IT! Only go down the necessary aisles and do not browse--this will, no doubt, lead to impulse purchases.
3. When making your lists, browse through your local flyers if they are delivered to your home (or you can usually find them online as well). Many people believe that hitting multiple stores for amazing sales is a good idea and will help save them money--WRONG! It is definitely not worth shopping at multiple grocers because of the gas you are spending. Check your favourite store to see if they 'Price Match.' That way, you can get the same featured deal from the alternate store all in one place! Many stores do practise this these days to stay competitive.
4. If you have small children, ALWAYS keep them home if you can. We all know kids can be unpredictable and whine or throw temper tantrums once they spot something they want. I know this firsthand with my son who throws the WORST fits while out, and I admit to giving in sometimes just to keep him quiet! So, keeping them home will allow you to get in and out by only sticking to what you need.
5. Last but not least, NEVER GO GROCERY SHOPPING WHEN HUNGRY! I am, again, guilty of this without even being aware; spending more money than wanting to because so much more 'appealed' to me. Plain and simple, fill your tummy or go shopping AFTER a meal!
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Organizing your Closet
To begin, I always tell people that if something seems too overwhelming or time consuming, to start out small. For instance, try the hall closet first to build your confidence and find what works best for YOU.
Step 1: Begin by selecting your messiest closet and removing its contents. During this process, take a good look at what you have and consider donating or tossing items that have not been touched in years. You have to remember these items are taking up VALUBLE storage space. Be honest with yourself and make the effort to purge the old, the size-challenged, and the "what was I thinking?" . If you can't bring yourself to part with some of these items (even though you know that you should) box them up, put the date on the box and store it in the basement or attic. If you haven't touched the box in one year toss or donate it without opening as this will leave you second guessing your initial decision.
Step 2: Now it's time to put away the items you have decided to keep. As you put things back, keep like things together (for example long-sleeved shirts) and remember to store items based on how they are used as well as their frequency of use. Placement is important -- store special occasion dressings in the back , while frequently worn items should be up front and between shoulder and knee height. I also hang by colour--it may seem tedoous at first, but once complete, it is so nice to find a specific article of clothing easily when you are in a rush! Now, don't forget about the floor space under your short hanging items. Purchase clear containers or the white & clear plastic drawers and store out of season sweaters and shoes (no, not together); don't forget to label, so next year there will be no unnecessary dumping. If you are storing sweaters or non-hang shirts on your top shelf consider shelf dividers; these keep those stacks from tumbling into one another, which ALWAYS seems to happen!
Step 3: Finally consider ways to maximize the space you have. The back of the closet door provides some wonderful untouched storage space. Add dollar store hooks for robes and your comfy sweats or suit jackets if you plan to wear it again soon.Another storage option is hatboxes (or make your own by covering boxes in scrapbook paper); they are great for storing small accessories and look really nice on your shelf or neatly stacked on the floor.
Step 4: What you hang your clothes on really does make a difference. All your hangers should be the same type (yes -- get rid of those wire hangers from the dry cleaners). Replacing hangers can be as costly or as inexpensive as your taste and budget dictate. You can pick up a pack of nice WOOD hangers at the dollar store. You have gone through all this effort to make things organized and this last detail can really pull it all together and looks so much nicer; which will be more rewarding in the end.
I am often asked, "What should I do to organize my hats, belts and scarves" and I always have the same answer--use dollar store plastic shower rings, loop your items through and hang on a hanger. They stay in place, and look so neat when hung in the closet.
There is no need to spend a lot of money on organization when items from your local dollar store are beautiful and serve the same purpose!
Once everything has a place and fits, you are encouraged to keep it organized and clutter free. Maintenance is KEY and will only require minimal effort if completed daily or when necessary. A few minutes of hanging, folding and tossing in the designated basket keeps everything in its place.
I always encourage people to use the rule: if you purchase a new article of clothing, another must go. This ensures your newly organized closet never becomes too full or crammed, which oftens turns back into MESSY!
WOOLZIES CONTEST WINNER!!
Our contest for a FREE BOX OF WOOLZIES DRYER BALLS has come to an end! Thank you to all who participated and entered! :)
Now for the winner!
Drum roll..........
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TRACEY SAUNDERS MARSHALL!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!
You will be receiving an email shortly :)
Have a great Sunday everyone!!!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Tip of the Day #302: The Lowdown on Essential Oils
Not only do essential oils fill a room with a wonderful aroma, but they are considered to possess certain qualities or serve special purposes when used properly. Find out what your favourites can do for you below:
SOOTHING:
chamomile
rose
jasmine
clary sage
geranium
sandalwood
vanilla
musk
nutmeg
ENERGIZING:
lemon
eucalyptus
pine
citrus
bergamot
peppermint
rosemary
cinnamon
APHRODISIACS:
clary sage
geranium
sandalwood
ylang-ylang
lavender
SPIRIT LIFTERS:
neroli
bergamot
rosemary
MENTAL STIMULANTS:
clary sage
Juniper berry
pine
peppermint
MUSCLE RELAXANTS:
vasmine
vanilla
musk
eucalyptus
peppermint
If you are unfamiliar with essential oils, you can pick them up at your local health store!