Ice Cube Pallette

Thanks to my mom's suggestion, I now have another good use for my old ice cube trays, AKA: tiny little paint pots. The trays work great to keep colors separate (I do leave a few spaces open for some mixing) so my little van gogh can create her little heart out without ending up with a big blob of brown paint...unless of course she wants to create a big blob of brown paint on her masterpiece...but that's a whole other subject entirely.

Back Door Message Center

My family has a communication problem. It is called having way too much going on and not enough brain space to hold it all. If information needs to be passed from one person to another, you can definitely forget it. We need all the help we can get in this area. I'd seen tips about hanging a white board in your kitchen for messages but the thought of hanging a big ugly whiteboard in my pretty kitchen just seemed a little too...um...office-like. So, I was very glad when I found this pretty, framed whiteboard. Hanging next to our main traffic door, it serves as a communication center and because it's magnetic, it works as a reminder board for school notes, coupons, etc.

Preserve the Herbs

There’s nothing like the flavor fresh herbs add to a culinary creation. During the summer, fresh herbs are plentiful and the delicious dishes we can throw together with them are a real treat. So, what about in the dead of winter when herbs are scarce but our tastebuds are craving a little spark of freshness? Well, here’s an idea: freeze your fresh herbs in the summer and make use of them six months later when the weather has turned blustery.

I have frozen rosemary and basil with great success using this technique and I’m sure it would work on other savory herbs as well. Finely chop your fresh herbs, mix in a little olive oil (just enough to coat) and spoon into ice cube trays. Fill the trays about ¾ of the way with the herb mixture and the rest of the way with water. Put the trays in the freezer until herb cubes are solid. Pop out the cubes and place them in plastic baggies for later use in sauces, soups, etc. Enjoy!

Flippy Hem Trick

Is there anything more frustrating than a hem that flips up after it’s been washed and dried? Of course, I realize the answer to that question would be “yes”…but, a hem that won’t behave is still pretty annoying. I tried something a few days ago on one of these flippy hems and lo and behold it worked! I know those individuals, like myself, who are morally opposed to ironing will love this little tip.

After I took the offending piece of clothing (a dress in this case) out of the dryer, I immediately hung it up, flattened out the hem and clipped a couple of clothes pins to it. I left the pins on for about an hour and voila...flat hem! Apparently the weight of the pins and the pressure that they put on the material kept the hem straight. Who knew?

Simple Clutter Solution

I have simplified this tip to one sentence for use in my own brain: If it doesn't make you smile, get rid of it.

In other words, don't hang on to something that you don't like simply because someone gave it to you. Someone else will enjoy it more. Also, pass on clothes that don't fit right. The frustration is not worth it even if they do still have the tags on them. And remember, personal style changes. Just because you loved a piece of artwork or home decor ten years ago doesn't mean you have to keep it forever. Surround yourself with objects that make you feel good...the rest can go.

Salt Your Flowers?

I saw this tip in Real Simple and thought it was a little weird: to remove dust from artificial flowers, put some salt and your flowers in a paper bag then shake it. Now, I've got some fake flowers that have slowly but surely accumulated a pretty good coating of dust. I've tried micro-fiber cloths, vacuuming, shaking the daylights out of them...most of these techniques resulted in leaves and petals flying off and the dust staying put. SO, I thought I'd give the salt a shot. Suprisingly to me, it worked...worked beautifully...so beautifully in fact, I can't wait for another layer of dust to build up so I can do it again.

Lavendar for Headaches

A few weeks ago I was suffering from one of those head-splitting, eye-fuzzing headaches that would not go away. I had taken tylenol and a little while later ibuprofen (for those of you that know me, you know how rare it is that I even take one of these). It was bad.

When my husband got home from work, he suggested that I put some lavendar oil on a washcloth and lie down with it where I could smell it. I'm sure he was thinking that the relaxation benefit of the lavendar might help...and it did. Within thirty minutes my headache was gone. Later I was looking in my aromatherapy book and noticed that lavendar is used for pain relief as well. I'm not saying it would work on every headache but it is worth a try. I know I will sure try it first next time rather than a last resort.

Clear Photo Clutter

I was sorting through old photos...hundreds of old photos...when I was reminded of a tip I read in Real Simple Magazine (love that magazine, by the way). According to the experts at Real Simple, we can throw away all of our old negatives (remember those?). Technology has made it possible to reproduce high quality photos by using the photo itself rather than negatives. While we're at it, we can toss out any less-than-great photos...fuzzy, not flattering, a picture of nothing. After a serious editing job, maybe one day I'll actually get all of those photos into albums.

Give It a Clean Sweep

About a year ago, I realized I was spending my entire day straightening the house. As soon as one mess was cleaned up, there was another one that needed my attention. As any mother of young children knows, you can easily clean up the same toys over and over all day long. Well, I decided I wanted to spend more time playing and less time cleaning so I instituted the 10 Minute Clean Sweep. At the end of the day, I set the timer for ten minutes and turn on some upbeat music. Then my little one (or little ones, depending on the day) and I spend ten minutes putting toys away like crazy. If anyone stops cleaning during that time, another minute is added to the time. It seems to work well so far and I am amazed how much we can get done in just ten minutes!

Flip Pans to Avoid Puddles

I picked up this tip on one of those rare occasions that I watched Martha Stewart and I have been doing it ever since: If you are using a non-stick cooking spray or oil, turn your pan upside-down on a towel for a few seconds before you put in your batter. This keeps the spray from puddling in the bottom of the pan and protects your baked goody from getting mushy.

List the Laundry Guidelines

I tend to be a very process-oriented person...and probably slightly OCD in that area as well. As my teen-age daughter began doing her own laundry (and sometimes my husband), I felt like I was spending a lot of time explaining the laundry process. I thought posting a list of guidelines would help. So, I came up with a list, printed them out and posted them right above the washer and dryer. Now, even if the guidelines aren't always followed, at least no one can say they didn't know.

Ready to Use Bread Crumbs

I have always avoided store bought packages of bread crumbs because they all seem to contain trans fats. However, I really like the idea of having ready to use bread crumbs in my pantry. A few months ago I started noticing that the ends (heels) of our bread loaves stayed in the bread wrapper long after the rest of the loaf had been eaten. One day a light bulb went off in my head. I gathered all of those rejected ends, dried them in the oven and pounded them into crumbs. (By the way, this process also works wonders on releasing pent up tension from a crazy week)

I store the crumbs in an old glass peanut butter jar and they are always ready to use. This option is healthier, less expensive and relieves stress...does it get much better?

A Little Peppermint Clears the Air

Peppermint is a great natural deodorizer. Instead of filling the air with a super sweet or perfumey scent, peppermint oil creates a clean, refreshing scent. To use, simply put a few drops of peppermint oil on several cotton balls. Then strategically place the cotton balls around your house (inside vases, behind pictures, etc). I also use the oil in a tealight diffuser in my kitchen and it works great to spread the scent throughout the house. Peppermint is also proven to enhance mental alertness...and who couldn't use a little more of that?

Conceal cords for cleaner counters

My husband and I both charge our cell phones in the kitchen...in plain sight so we don't forget them as we are running out the door. However, the tangle of cords on my kitchen counter was beginning to drive me crazy. I had a teapot on display that now makes a perfect charger container. I moved it near an electric outlet for easy access and... presto, problem solved!