Clark Howard was on Dr. OZ today (9/29/11). In a particular segment he showed a razor he used for shaving which lasted him a year! Clark claims it isn't the abrasion of shaving that causes the razor to wear down. The razor degrades, or dulls, due to the absorption of water left on the razor. Carefully drying your razor after each use will prolong the life of your razor!
Dr. OZ added that you should also sanitize your razor with alcohol or mouthwash if you plan on utilizing Clark's advise. Discard the razor if you see any signs of rusting. That Dr. OZ! Always thinking about our health. Gotta love him!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Kill Weeds With Vinegar
Accordng to Organic Gardening Magazine, you can use white vinegar as an alternative to store bought chemicals as a means of killing or deterring weeds that grow in cracks of sidewalks and driveways. I have not yet tried this application. But my friend and co-worker, Diane, said she uses vinegar to keep the weeds from growing inbetween the cracks of her sidewalk. Although they do eventually grow back, she manages to keep them under control without the use of chemicals, which can harm our environment.
Diane saturates the soil surrounding the growing weeds with vinegar, which kills most of the roots within a week. Weeds are hard to kill but our plants and grass are quite delicate. Use care around grass and decorative plants because there is a chance the vinegar could permanently dissolve their rooting systems!
I found this link on the Organic Gardening website to back up Diane's claims that vinegar can help control weeds. http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/organic-herbicides
In the past, I have purchased expensive weedkillers, only to see their stubborn stalks grow back a few weeks later. GRRR! How frustrating after spending so much $$$ to get rid of them!
The use of vinegar is not a permanent solution for weeds, but certainly an environmentally safe application we should consider. I think I will give it a try! Let me know how this works for you. Thank you Diane for your contribution!
Diane saturates the soil surrounding the growing weeds with vinegar, which kills most of the roots within a week. Weeds are hard to kill but our plants and grass are quite delicate. Use care around grass and decorative plants because there is a chance the vinegar could permanently dissolve their rooting systems!
I found this link on the Organic Gardening website to back up Diane's claims that vinegar can help control weeds. http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/organic-herbicides
In the past, I have purchased expensive weedkillers, only to see their stubborn stalks grow back a few weeks later. GRRR! How frustrating after spending so much $$$ to get rid of them!
The use of vinegar is not a permanent solution for weeds, but certainly an environmentally safe application we should consider. I think I will give it a try! Let me know how this works for you. Thank you Diane for your contribution!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Perfectly Cooked Bacon Without All The Splatter
Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees.
1.) Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil, making sure the foil rides up the pan slightly so grease won't leak into pan.
2.) Line strips of bacon close together across the pan.
3.) Bake in center of oven for 20-25 minutes.(Mine is always done in 20)
4.) Drain bacon on papertowel lined tray or plates.
Allow the grease to cool a bit, then carefully wrap the foil around the grease and toss into the basket. No grease down your drain and no pan to clean!
Your bacon will be perfectly crispy and straight, not all shriveled up like it gets when you pan fry it. It is perfect for making BLT's. The best part is that you don't have to deal with any splattered greasy stovetop mess, or risk getting grease burns or grease stained clothing from the splattering of the hot grease. Using the oven method, the grease does not splatter.
Another reason I love this method is because I don't have to stand at the stove for 20 minutes monitoring the bacon. Instead I just set the timer, then set the table, cook the eggs, pour the juice and get other things done while the bacon takes care of itself! You will never fry your bacon again!
Tip: Cooked bacon freezes well too. You can warm it up in the toaster oven, oven or microwave and it will crisp back to life again. I normally cook the entire package and warm it up again for BLT's, breakfast, or chop it up for twice baked potatoes.
1.) Line a rimmed cookie sheet with aluminum foil, making sure the foil rides up the pan slightly so grease won't leak into pan.
2.) Line strips of bacon close together across the pan.
3.) Bake in center of oven for 20-25 minutes.(Mine is always done in 20)
4.) Drain bacon on papertowel lined tray or plates.
Allow the grease to cool a bit, then carefully wrap the foil around the grease and toss into the basket. No grease down your drain and no pan to clean!
Your bacon will be perfectly crispy and straight, not all shriveled up like it gets when you pan fry it. It is perfect for making BLT's. The best part is that you don't have to deal with any splattered greasy stovetop mess, or risk getting grease burns or grease stained clothing from the splattering of the hot grease. Using the oven method, the grease does not splatter.
Another reason I love this method is because I don't have to stand at the stove for 20 minutes monitoring the bacon. Instead I just set the timer, then set the table, cook the eggs, pour the juice and get other things done while the bacon takes care of itself! You will never fry your bacon again!
Tip: Cooked bacon freezes well too. You can warm it up in the toaster oven, oven or microwave and it will crisp back to life again. I normally cook the entire package and warm it up again for BLT's, breakfast, or chop it up for twice baked potatoes.
Home Made Laundry Detergent
So many people interested in learning how to make their own, so I decided to re-post this recipe.
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
This recipe is from my friend Britney. Her son was allergic to store brand detergents so she decided to make her own! No more itchies!! This is soooo much better for our environment.
Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
Go here if you would like more information about home made liquid and powdered detergents. http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
4 Cups - hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax
This recipe is from my friend Britney. Her son was allergic to store brand detergents so she decided to make her own! No more itchies!! This is soooo much better for our environment.
Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
Go here if you would like more information about home made liquid and powdered detergents. http://tipnut.com/10-homemade-laundry-soap-detergent-recipes/
Home Made Dishwasher Liquid
I have been making my own powdered dishwasher detergent for over a year. But this weekend I decided to try making liquid dishwasher detergent. You can stop buying expensive liquids and gel pacs. The results were fabulous!! Here is how to do it:
Just to test my recipe I only mixed up a 10oz bottle of detergent in an empty bottle of hand dishwashing liquid I had just used up. If you decide to do the same, do not rinse out the bottle. You can omit adding the first ingredient assuming you still have some liquid detergent left in the bottle. You know how you can never get it all out? In this case, that's a good thing! Nothing will go to waste.
1/4 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup borax or washing soda (I used borax, but either one should work)
1/2 cup water
1 drop lemon essential oil per cup of detergent.
Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 3 Tablespoons per load. I put 2 tablespoons in one dispenser and 1 tablespoon in the other. But go ahead and experiment. Maybe your dishwasher will only require 2 tablespoons to clean a load. Shake up the bottle before each use.
I simply used a funnel to pour the ingredients into the bottle, capped it, shook it, then squirted it into the dishwasher dispenser. The mixture will be gritty looking but don't let this bother you. The hot water in the dishwasher will dissolve the solution. My dishes are squeeky clean!!!
Go ahead and double or triple this recipe. The results will always be the same. Let me know how this works for you! :)
Just to test my recipe I only mixed up a 10oz bottle of detergent in an empty bottle of hand dishwashing liquid I had just used up. If you decide to do the same, do not rinse out the bottle. You can omit adding the first ingredient assuming you still have some liquid detergent left in the bottle. You know how you can never get it all out? In this case, that's a good thing! Nothing will go to waste.
1/4 teaspoon liquid hand dishwashing detergent
1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup borax or washing soda (I used borax, but either one should work)
1/2 cup water
1 drop lemon essential oil per cup of detergent.
Mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 3 Tablespoons per load. I put 2 tablespoons in one dispenser and 1 tablespoon in the other. But go ahead and experiment. Maybe your dishwasher will only require 2 tablespoons to clean a load. Shake up the bottle before each use.
I simply used a funnel to pour the ingredients into the bottle, capped it, shook it, then squirted it into the dishwasher dispenser. The mixture will be gritty looking but don't let this bother you. The hot water in the dishwasher will dissolve the solution. My dishes are squeeky clean!!!
Go ahead and double or triple this recipe. The results will always be the same. Let me know how this works for you! :)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Clean Your Bathroom Mirror!
Try using foam shaving cream (not the gel)to clean your bathroom mirror. Foam some up on a wet cloth and rub all over the mirror until clean. This also keeps the mirror fog-free after showers.
Make Your Own Furniture Polish
Who needs to dust the furniture with chemicals? Make your own natural furniture polish.
To dust furniture:Mix 10 drop lemon oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a few drops olive oil in a spray bottle. Spray onto surfaces; wipe with a cotton flannel cloth.
To polish furniture:If it's varnished add a few drops of lemon oil to 1/2 cup warm water. Spray onto a slightly damp cotton cloth and wipe furniture. If it's unvarnished, Mix 2 teaspoons each olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to a soft cotton cloth. Use wide strokes to distribute evenly.
To dust furniture:Mix 10 drop lemon oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and a few drops olive oil in a spray bottle. Spray onto surfaces; wipe with a cotton flannel cloth.
To polish furniture:If it's varnished add a few drops of lemon oil to 1/2 cup warm water. Spray onto a slightly damp cotton cloth and wipe furniture. If it's unvarnished, Mix 2 teaspoons each olive oil and lemon juice. Apply to a soft cotton cloth. Use wide strokes to distribute evenly.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Money Saving Ideas from 4/17 Meeting
GROCERY & HOUSEHOLD
Go to Land O Lakes.com to print coupons for deli cheese and other dairy products.
Sign Up for Target’s Debit Card and save 5% off every time you shop. Save an additional 5 cents when you bring your own bag! They will take off 5 cents for each bag you bring.
Replant your green onions in small pots. They look cute in the kitchen, and you can cut what you need when you need it! Grow tomatoes and peppers. Grow spices.
Make and print your shopping lists from Publix and other grocery stores. This is more of a time saver than a money saver.
Go to the manufacturer’s website for coupons. Write and tell them how much you like their product. They could send you a coupon!
Shop your local farmer’s market on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Fruits and vegetables are much cheaper.
Visit www. Alice.com to find the deals of the day on food and household products. ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING!
Make popsicles with Kool Aid and ¾ cup sugar, or use splenda
This tip is from Dr. OZ. Stretch your juice by pouring out 1/3 of it into another bottle and adding water to the first bottle until full again, Then add a little water to the other bottle. Dr. Oz says there is way too much sugar in juice and you will still get the vitamins you need from the juice even with the additional water.
Join Sally’s to get gallon bottles of shampoo and conditioner for $8.00.
Try using cheap conditioner from the dollar store to shave your legs. My sister in law swears by it!
Invest in CFL light bulbs. They use less electricity and last longer than standard light bulbs.
Invest in Smartstrips to kill the electricity of items you always leave plugged in.
Read your local grocery flyers for contests to win grocery gift cards.
Scan the store shelves for coupon dispensers.
Make your own dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent. (I posted this in an earlier Blog.)
ONLINE TIPS
www.survivingthestores.com is my favorite website to find all of the deals for several stores. They even match the coupons to the sales items so you don’t have to do it. They have links for the coupons if you don’t have one already.
www.restaurant.com for restaurant gift certificates. They are half price at the end of the month. Check out www.groupon.com too!
OTHER
Go to the library to borrow movies, magazines and books.
Swap movies with family and friends.
Buy All You magazine. It has over $80.00 in coupons every month. Subscription is about $13.00/yr, sometimes less.
Free REDBOX movies on Mondays. When you register you'll get a code texted to you.
Call your credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate.
Call your cable or satellite and internet companies and ask to have your rates reduced.
CAR
Sign up for Winn-Dixies Gas Rewards.
Check your tire pressure every month.
Hotels
Sign up for E-REWARDS to earn cash towards hotels
CLOTHING
Turn your long pants into capris or shorts, and turn your tops into short sleeve or sleeveless shirts
Shop thrift stores for work clothes
Have a clothing swap night! Draw names to see who gets to pick first!
Go to Land O Lakes.com to print coupons for deli cheese and other dairy products.
Sign Up for Target’s Debit Card and save 5% off every time you shop. Save an additional 5 cents when you bring your own bag! They will take off 5 cents for each bag you bring.
Replant your green onions in small pots. They look cute in the kitchen, and you can cut what you need when you need it! Grow tomatoes and peppers. Grow spices.
Make and print your shopping lists from Publix and other grocery stores. This is more of a time saver than a money saver.
Go to the manufacturer’s website for coupons. Write and tell them how much you like their product. They could send you a coupon!
Shop your local farmer’s market on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Fruits and vegetables are much cheaper.
Visit www. Alice.com to find the deals of the day on food and household products. ALWAYS FREE SHIPPING!
Make popsicles with Kool Aid and ¾ cup sugar, or use splenda
This tip is from Dr. OZ. Stretch your juice by pouring out 1/3 of it into another bottle and adding water to the first bottle until full again, Then add a little water to the other bottle. Dr. Oz says there is way too much sugar in juice and you will still get the vitamins you need from the juice even with the additional water.
Join Sally’s to get gallon bottles of shampoo and conditioner for $8.00.
Try using cheap conditioner from the dollar store to shave your legs. My sister in law swears by it!
Invest in CFL light bulbs. They use less electricity and last longer than standard light bulbs.
Invest in Smartstrips to kill the electricity of items you always leave plugged in.
Read your local grocery flyers for contests to win grocery gift cards.
Scan the store shelves for coupon dispensers.
Make your own dishwasher detergent and laundry detergent. (I posted this in an earlier Blog.)
ONLINE TIPS
www.survivingthestores.com is my favorite website to find all of the deals for several stores. They even match the coupons to the sales items so you don’t have to do it. They have links for the coupons if you don’t have one already.
www.restaurant.com for restaurant gift certificates. They are half price at the end of the month. Check out www.groupon.com too!
OTHER
Go to the library to borrow movies, magazines and books.
Swap movies with family and friends.
Buy All You magazine. It has over $80.00 in coupons every month. Subscription is about $13.00/yr, sometimes less.
Free REDBOX movies on Mondays. When you register you'll get a code texted to you.
Call your credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate.
Call your cable or satellite and internet companies and ask to have your rates reduced.
CAR
Sign up for Winn-Dixies Gas Rewards.
Check your tire pressure every month.
Hotels
Sign up for E-REWARDS to earn cash towards hotels
CLOTHING
Turn your long pants into capris or shorts, and turn your tops into short sleeve or sleeveless shirts
Shop thrift stores for work clothes
Have a clothing swap night! Draw names to see who gets to pick first!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sweet Potato Fries
If you love sweet potatoes then you will love these Sweet Potato Fries. Even if you don't like sweet potatoes, you will after you try these! I promise! I included stove top directions just in case you don't have an electric deep fryer.
Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe courtesy Emiril Lagasse, 2003
2 large Sweet Potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
2 quarts vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch cayenne
pinch cinnamon
Boil sweet potatoes in water to cover for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4 by 1/4 inch thick batons. (I use a french fry cutter that I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for under $10.00)
Meanwhile in a 5 quart dutch oven fitted with a candy or deep frying thermometer, (or in an electric deep fryer), heat oil over medium-low heat until the thermometer registers 300 degrees F. Make sure you have at least 3 inches of space between the top of the oil and the top of the pan, as fries will bubble up when they are added.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add fries, a handful at a time, to the hot oil. Fry stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft and limp and just begin to turn brown, about 3-4 minutes. Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fries from the oil and set aside to drain on paper towels. Let rest for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours.
When ready to serve the fries, reheat the oil to 350 degrees F. Transfer the blanched potatoes to the hot oil and fry again, stirring frequently until browned and puffed, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towel lined platter and allow to drain for a minute.
Combine the brown sugar, salt, cayenne and cinnamon in a large, wide bowl. Add the fries and toss to coat. Serve immediately. I see you smiling! ;)
Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe courtesy Emiril Lagasse, 2003
2 large Sweet Potatoes (about 3 pounds total)
2 quarts vegetable oil
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch cayenne
pinch cinnamon
Boil sweet potatoes in water to cover for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool. Peel potatoes and cut into 1/4 by 1/4 inch thick batons. (I use a french fry cutter that I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond for under $10.00)
Meanwhile in a 5 quart dutch oven fitted with a candy or deep frying thermometer, (or in an electric deep fryer), heat oil over medium-low heat until the thermometer registers 300 degrees F. Make sure you have at least 3 inches of space between the top of the oil and the top of the pan, as fries will bubble up when they are added.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add fries, a handful at a time, to the hot oil. Fry stirring occasionally, until potatoes are soft and limp and just begin to turn brown, about 3-4 minutes. Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the fries from the oil and set aside to drain on paper towels. Let rest for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours.
When ready to serve the fries, reheat the oil to 350 degrees F. Transfer the blanched potatoes to the hot oil and fry again, stirring frequently until browned and puffed, about 1 minute. Transfer to paper towel lined platter and allow to drain for a minute.
Combine the brown sugar, salt, cayenne and cinnamon in a large, wide bowl. Add the fries and toss to coat. Serve immediately. I see you smiling! ;)
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