Nuts are expensive and I usually take awhile to finish a package. I don’t want them to go to waste by going rancid.
So, to keep nuts fresher a little longer, I put my nuts in the freezer. The great thing about freezing nuts, is they don’t freeze like liquids do. Just take the bags out of the freezer and the nuts are ready to go. No defrosting needed!
Once your child(ren) have outgrown their toys, glue them to a frame and spray paint for a unique picture frame! What a unique keepsake :)
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!
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! :)
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.
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.
