Managing your Time--plus Kitchen Board Instructions!

We all know how easy it is to get overwhelmed by our daily tasks and maintaining a household, so hopefully this post helps out many of you!

The most effective way I find to stay organized (and calm) from day to day is filling out my kitchen board. It is divided into two sections: Menu & Cleaning/Chores. The menu side lays out what is for dinner each evening (I fill this out every Sunday for the week) and the alternate cleaning side displays what chores are designated for each day of the week, so I am not left to do them all at once! This also leaves for less questions from other family members and if they feel inclined to help out with chores (ha!), they know what needs to be done.

As you can see, I don't do laundry everyday, I will only do it on the designated days--Friday and/or Saturday during peak times. This helps out HUGE on the hydro bill! My kids also know these are laundry days and are aware they must be around to assist in putting away their items.

If you are interested in making a mounted kitchen board like mine, it is VERY simple! What you will need is:

1 poster frame (mine is 16x20 from the craft store)
1 can of black chalkboard spray paint (you can also make this yourself if you search online)
Scrapbook paper
Dry Erase Marker
Chalk
Decorative Accents (optional)

Instructions:

1. Remove glass from frame, measure middle of glass and place one strip of masking tape down direct middle.

2. Apply chalkboard paint to TOP side of glass either on the left or right of the tape (not both) and leave to dry.

3. Repeat step one but with cardboard insert that came with frame behind glass.

4. Adhere scrapbook paper to the alternate side of the tape on cardnoard (ie. if you painted left side of glass, scrapbook paper would go on right side of cardboard). If you have purchased sticky letters or other embellishments, this is when you would attach to paper.

5. Once all has dried, put frame back together--cardboard first, then fit glass into frame.

6. Add any other decorative accents at this time and your board should be complete!

Tip of the Day #314: DIY Sidewalk Paint

Kids always seem to love sidewalk chalk, don't they? Well now you can go a step ABOVE and make them a batch of sidewalk PAINT--how cool!!

Ingredients:
1 part cornstarch (1 c.)
1 part water (1 c.)
food coloring
sponge brushes

To keep it organized, pour each colour into a different cup in a muffin tray--that way your little ones are less likely to spill it as they paint! :)

Summer Household Tips

1. Save time removing silk from corn cobs by holding the ear under running water, then brushing back and forth with a clean toothbrush.
OR
Place the corn in your microwave for 10 seconds, turn cob upside and shake--the silk will just fall right off.

2. Put a layer of ice in the bottom of the cooler, then add the food, packed in sealed containers or plastic food bags. Top with frozen gel or juice packs or water bottles seven-eighths full and frozen. These will thaw, keep the food cool, and be icy to drink!

3. A reminder to have everyone dust their feet with baby powder or baking soda to remove all sand before getting into the car or walking into the house.

4. Remove sunscreen and summer gunk with baby oil or light cooking oil — it's cheap and safe!

5. To soothe a bee sting, make a thick paste of baking soda and water and apply to the reddened area to soothe.

6. Nourish household plants with leftover water used for cooking or cleaning vegetables.

7. To remove grease spills on tablecloths, pour baby powder or flour onto the spill or rub a piece of white chalk right into it. Let sit a bit, then shake off (outside) before you launder.

8. To freshen sleeping bags--after washing and drying, place several fabric softener sheets inside the bag, then roll it up. When you need it for your next camping trip, it will smell nice and fresh!

9. To clean patio furniture and remove stains, mix 3/4 cup household bleach and 1 tablespoon liquid laundry detergent with 1 gallon water. Wear rubber gloves and scrub the mixture over stained surfaces (but test it first on a hidden area to be sure the plastic doesn't discolor), then let it stay on the chair for 5 to 15 minutes. Rinse well.

10. To freshen smelly beach towels, shake out sand and debris, then wash in the hottest water that's safe for the fabric as soon as you come inside--you do not need detergent--just 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda. Don't cram the washing machine or dryer too full because towels can't get clean or dry properly. If you can't wash them right away, hang towels to air-dry.

11. Reuse plastic tableware-- put sturdy plastic silverware or plates in the dishwasher or clean by hand and use again for summer gatherings. If plastic food containers are stained or smelly, scrub with a paste of baking soda and water. If they are still smelly, fill with crumpled newspaper to absorb odors, then seal with the lids and leave for a couple of days. Wash again.

12. Garden smarter--fill a rolling garbage can with shovels, rakes, hoes, and other tools that you need and hang small ones on S-hooks on the rim. You will have everything you need for gardening or pruning right at your fingertips.

13. Clean your grill by scrunching up a wad of aluminum foil to wipe off grease and debris. Wash in hot, soapy water and dry. Rub with a little cooking oil.

14. Don't thaw food on the counter or let it sit outside the refrigerator for more than two hours. In summer heat of 85 degrees or more, food should not be left out for more than an hour, especially at the beach, a picnic, or barbecue.

Tip of the Day #313: Dealing with Weeds

Pour boiling water on weeds growing between pavers of a pathway. Keep the kettle close to the ground to avoid splashing yourself -- or any nearby plants you want to keep.

Tip of the Day #312: Maintaining a Clean Garbage Can

This chore should be a breeze if you first drill several half-inch holes in the bottom of the can. The drainage holes will allow you to hose down the insides of the barrel without having to dump out the dirty water; this will also prevent rainwater from collecting and allow for proper ventilation. Rinse with a hose, scrub interiors with water and dish soap, rinse, and dry in the sun.

10 Bathroom Cleaning Tips

1. Start by tossing harsh scouring powder for the tub. It is too abrasive to use regularly. After showering, take a minute to wipe down the tub and faucets with a terry-cloth towel to help remove soap scum and prevent mineral deposits.

2. Pull the shower curtain closed when not in use, so water can't sit in the folds. Spread towels over two hooks to dry, or hang them on rods instead. Wipe shower walls with a squeegee after every use.

3. To discourage mildew growth in the bathroom, increase the amount of air circulation and light to decrease moisture. Use fans during the shower and for roughly 30 minutes after, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and open windows. If you do not have a window in your bathroom, ensure the bathroom door remains open.

4. Grout is porous and absorbs oils from shampoos, conditioners, and soaps, which can lead to mildew growth that can spread to the tiles it surrounds. Clean mildew with a mix of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach (or ammonia) and a soft-bristled brush. Make sure to thoroughly rinse afterwards.

5. Once a month, give the pipes a good preventative cleaning to keep them clear of grease, oil, and hair clogs. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar. The mixture will foam up. Let stand for a few minutes to dissolve fatty acids, then pour boiling water down the drain to wash out any clogs.

6. Vinyl, synthetic, cotton, and hemp shower-curtain liners can generally be laundered in a washing machine using hot water and a mild laundry detergent. Air-dry the liners promptly. If you can't machine-wash, simply spray the liner with white vinegar and give it a good wipe down.

7. To remove a hard-water ring from the inside the toilet, pour white vinegar into the bowl and let set for an hour. Scrub clean and flush.

8. Clean bacteria and mildew from bath toys by giving them a vinegar-water bath. Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water, adding 1/2 cup white vinegar per gallon of water. Soak toys for 10 minutes, then rub gently with a sponge and allow to dry. The acetic acid in vinegar cuts through dirt buildup and works as a natural disinfectant.

9. As I have posted before, if a showerhead becomes clogged with mineral deposits, fill a plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar and place the bag over the head so it is submerged; secure and seal the bag with a rubber band. Soak overnight and then scrub the face with a toothbrush.

10. To clean your bathtub, heat 1 cup of vinegar for 90 seconds in the microwave then pour into a spray bottle and add 1/2 cup of dish soap. Let sit for about 15 minutes then wipe away effortlessly! This solution is better than anything, even a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser!

10 Dishwashing Secrets

1. A Dish Tub Saves Time. Washing the dishes properly, in a plastic dish tub, rather than one at a time under the tap, will not only SAVE WATER & ENERGY, but also save time. If you're not using a tub, line the sink with a rubber or plastic mat.

2. To catch drips, place a baking sheet under your drying rack. Look for sheets with 1-inch vertical sides to prevent runoff from seeping onto your countertop. They'll also resist mildew better than a rubber tray or dish towel.

3. Use very hot water. Fill the tub with one or two squirts of dishwashing liquid. This is more economical than squirting dishwashing liquid directly onto a sponge. The hotter the water, the more likely glass and silver will dry without spots and streaks.

4. Wash in order. Wash dishes in this order: crystal, glassware, clear glass plates, other plates, flatware, serving ware, the greasiest serving dishes, then pots and pans--this prevents your best dishes from cracking or breaking. Drain the dishwater tub and start again as needed. Rinse five or six pieces of dishware at a time, using hot running tap water. Start from the back of the plate or outside of the glass, rinsing the eating or drinking surfaces last.

5. Use cold water to wash off starches and dairy products, because they get gummier in hot water. Bottles are easier to clean if you soak denture cleaner in them overnight, or swish dry rice & water inside, then scrub them with a narrow nylon toothbrush.

6. The sooner you wash pots and pans after using them, the better. Because salt is absorbent and a natural abrasive, it is an excellent antidote to grease. Rub salt into especially dirty pots and pans with a dry sponge until greasy residue is gone.

7. Fill especially dirty pots that have coated, baked-on food with water and 1/4 cup powdered dishwasher detergent or baking soda. Bring the mixture to a boil, remove from heat, and let soak for an hour. Scrape the pot with a spoon or rubber spatula and finish up washing as you normally would.

8. Fill badly burned pots without nonstick coatings, with cold water and 2 or 3 tablespoons salt. Let soak overnight. Slowly bring the water to a boil; the burn marks should disappear. (You may need to repeat a few times.) Then wash as you normally would.

9. When using the dishwasher, put heavy-duty wash jobs on the bottom rack, delicate dishes and glassware on the upper rack. Don't place items over the prongs on the upper rack, but use the prongs to hold glasses and mugs in place.

10. Be safe with silverware. Contrary to what many people think, you can put silverware in the dishwasher. The key is to keep stainless steel out if you put sterling or silver-plate pieces in. The two metals will react with each other and cause irreparable damage to both finishes.
Wash and dry new silverware by hand a few times, then place it in the machine -- but use less detergent than normal and don't run the "dry" cycle. Silver should be removed just before the rinse cycle and dried by hand.