Leader Enterprise - April 12, 2017 - Spring Cleaning Helps

"Lightened" Ham & Swiss Rollups

Hope you're enjoying the spring season. The day after we returned from 2 months in Florida, (early March) my dear hubby was hospitalized for 13 days, most of those days far from home at the Ann Arbor VA. He received such awesome care there and we adore the doctors and nurses. He began dialysis while there and is now going to Bryan 3 days a week for the process.  Life is settling down as we strive to find our 'new normal'. We are more than blessed, in so many ways, and covet your thoughts and prayers for the days ahead. There's no place like home! 

This is the time of year we begin thinking about spring cleaning. There are many uses for household products such as vinegar and baking soda, so I thought I would remind you of some cleaning ‘tricks’ using these simple on-hand products to help get your home sparkling.

Special Egg Salad & Tips for Cooking Eggs

Nontoxic Bathroom Cleaner: Here’s a terrific deep-cleaning cleanser recipe that works on any bathroom surface. It cuts through soap scum and mildew as well as any commercial bathroom product and costs just pennies. Clean Green!

Ingredients:

1-2/3 c. baking soda

1/2 c. liquid soap

1/2 c. water

2 Tb. white vinegar

1 clean 16-ounce spray bottle 

Mix baking soda and liquid soap in a bowl. Dilute with water and add the vinegar. Stir the mixture with a fork until any lumps have been dissolved. Pour the liquid into the bottle. Shake well before using. Spray on area to be cleaned. Scrub with a nylon-backed sponge. Rinse off with water.

Refresh the Fridge: Did you know that vinegar might be an even more effective safe cleanser for your refrigerator than baking soda? Use equal parts white vinegar and water to wash both the interior and exterior of your fridge. To prevent mildew growth, wash the inside walls and bin interiors with some full-strength vinegar on a cloth. Also use undiluted vinegar to wipe off accumulated dust and grime on top of your refrigerator. Of course, you’ll still want to put that box of baking soda inside your refrigerator to keep it smelling clean when you’re done.

Vinegar acts as an odor absorber. That in and of itself, is interesting. My favorite use for vinegar is to set a bowl of it in a musty room. It absorbs the odor and does not leave the room smelling like vinegar.

This recipe makes a simple snack or lunch. Great for using up leftover ham. 

HAM AND SWISS ROLLUPS 

1-(8 ozs.) tube refrigerated crescent rolls

1 c. diced fully cooked ham

(or 99% fat free deli slices)

3/4 c. finely shredded swiss cheese

1-1/2 tsp. prepared (dijon) mustard

1 tsp. finely chopped onion

Preheat oven to 375. Separate crescent rolls into 8 triangles. In a small bowl, combine ham, cheese, mustard and onion; place 2 Tb. mixture in center of each triangle. Fold points toward center and pinch edges to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 11 - 13 minutes or until lightly browned. Yield: 4 servings (2 rolls each) 

I know I've shared this recipe before, but this egg salad is the best I’ve ever tasted and the only kind I’ll make anymore. The cream cheese keeps it from getting runny like traditional egg salad. Another idea for using up all those leftover Easter eggs. You may use reduced fat cream cheese and fat free mayo if desired.

SPECIAL EGG SALAD

1 (3 ozs) pkg.cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. mayonnaise or salad dressing

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

6 hard cooked eggs, chopped

In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add mayo, sugar, onion and garlic powder, salt and pepper; fold in the eggs. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.Yield: 6 servings

May you all enjoy a blessed Easter season as we celebrate our Risen Savior! 

P.S. (Pssst!  Wanted you to know I'm working hard on my #3 cookbook, hopefully delivered in early fall. Lots more simple and easy recipes under cover.) 

Jackson H. Brown has said "Success is getting what you want.  Happiness is liking what you get." 

Leader Enterprise - April 6, 2016 - Couponing

Homemade Fabric Softener

Using coupons is a great way to stretch your family’s budget. Buying one or more Sunday papers that include coupon books is a great way to get stocked up on savings. Maybe you have a friend who will give you their coupons?  It never hurts to ask especially if those savings are being tossed in the trash.

One secret to saving the most money is to only buy grocery items on sale and with a coupon. Plan meals around those purchases.

Whether you are new to couponing or a seasoned saver, one of the first steps you need to consider is how to store and organize your coupons. I would suggest you always carry your coupons with you. Even though you think you’re just running into the store for one item, you might see something on sale or on the clearance rack that you have a coupon for, so you do want to keep it handy.

It might work for you to tuck your clipped coupons into a simple envelope. Or mark several envelopes with categories. Or store them according to expiration dates. Do what works best for you.

Maybe you’d prefer, as I do, an expanding file that is wallet size and easy to carry in your purse. Make sure it has tabs on top of the dividers. Mark each with the product category so you can find what you're looking for at a glance. I normally add my most recent coupons to the back of each divider, so that the oldest ones(most likely to expire first) are in the front.

Did you realize that whether you like or dislike a product, if you write to the company, they likely will send you coupons?  I've done it myself and have been thrilled for what I have received. Free items even! It's worth some time and being able to email a company makes things quicker than ever before.

Thought I'd share a few Do-It-Yourself recipes to help stretch that budget.

NATURAL STAINLESS STEEL CLEANER

Wipe off any major caked on grime using a rag. Pour about a tablespoon or so of olive oil on a folded paper towel. You don’t want too much oil or you’ll leave streaks of oil, but you want enough that it does the job. You may have to experiment a bit.

Wipe the fridge or appliance “with the grain” of the steel. Look for what direction the metal seems to naturally go. This stroking method worked better than using a circular motion, which left some streaks. You may have to reload your paper towel once or twice with more oil to cover the whole surface. Wipe off any excess oil using a dry paper towel.

HOMEMADE LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER

6 c. hot water

3 c. white distilled vinegar

2 c. hair conditioner (any brand)

1 empty gallon container

In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix vinegar and hair conditioner together - it will look a tad clumpy. Place bowl in microwave and heat for a minute or two. This will ensure the ingredients will blend together. Remove from microwave and stir. Add hot water and mix to blend. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room. 

Use same amount as you would store-purchased softener. (though I always use about half as much as the label says).

Note: Be sure to shake bottle well before adding to dispenser, downy ball or directly in rinse cycle. (I had an extra large bottle of Downy already, and just added this mixture to it. It works great and I still get the fragrance from the Downy.) 

I have a friend who raves about this DIY recipe for HOMEMADE SPRAY STARCH. She refuses to ever buy it again. Simply add 2 TB. cornstarch to 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Shake and spray. VOILA!

~Kid President has been quoted saying..."Be Somebody who makes Everybody feel like a Somebody". 

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Homemade Laminate Floor Cleaner

Yep, just 3 simple ingredients and water and you can make your own laminate floor cleaner that will WOW everyone! 

When we sold our house a few months ago, the realtor and purchaser both begged to know what I used on my laminate floor because it had such an awesome shine.  I think it was a real selling point!! 

Needless to say, they both wrote down the recipe! 

It nearly brought me to my knees to have to pay high dollar for my laminate floor cleaner ($13 - Are you kidding me???), so you can imagine the thrill it was to find a homemade recipe....especially one that worked so nicely! (And cost about $1!)

HOMEMADE LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER

1 cup water

1 cup rubbing alcohol

1 cup white vinegar

1 Tb. liquid dish soap

1 qt. spray bottle 

Mix together and put into a spray bottle.  Use as you would purchased cleaner - spray and mop.....and enjoy the $$ savings!!

You may have to buff it up a bit, but we found just walking on it with our socks did the 'trick'....

You might also enjoy these Homemade recipes...

Homemade Ice Packs (2 Simple Ingredients)

Homemade Catalina Dressing

Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk

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Homemade Garbage Disposal Refreshers

Lemon is always such a good clean smell, don't you think?

I couldn't resist trying these little bits of lemony-cleaning-deodorizing 'thingies'. 

Keep them handy to toss into your disposal when you need to get rid of that nasty odor coming from it. 

The same day I made these, I put some green onions down the disposal and was so pleased with how tossing one of these into the disposal, running the water and the disposal, refreshed the air. 

NICE! 

Sometimes I don't have an orange or a lemon to put down the disposal, but I'm ready now! 

You may want to keep them in the fridge for a longer 'life' for the 'tablets'. 

I adapted this recipe from somewhere on Pinterest...

HOMEMADE GARBAGE DISPOSAL REFRESHERS 

3/4 c. baking soda 

1/2 c. salt

1 tsp. liquid dish soap

1 tsp. water

1 lemon

Sheet pan

Parchment paper

Small spoon or scoop

Airtight jar or container

Gather the ingredients for making the garbage disposal refreshers. Measure and add the baking soda and salt to a small mixing bowl, and give a stir until smooth and blended.

Grate the lemon peel into the mixture along with adding the liquid dish soap and water.

Slice the lemon in half; squeeze the juice into the mixture. Continue stirring and adding juice until the mixture resembles course sand.

Cover a sheet pan with waxed paper or parchment paper, use a small spoon or scoop to mold the half rounds, and then tap them out onto the pan. I used my smallest spring-loaded scoop. Allow to dry overnight.

Keep handy in an airtight container. 

Linked to Scrumptious Sunday

Leader Enterprise - May 1, 2013 - Spring Cleaning Tips & Homemade Cleaners

Hopefully, spring has sprung and we're going to be enjoying more sunshine and warmer temps for a while. It's been hard to think of spring cleaning when it hasn't felt like spring, don't you agree?

Before I share some tips for spring cleaning, I want to first remind you of some of the FUN things about spring.  

~The flowers and trees begin blooming, adding color to our world, and everything'greens up'. Many look forward to planting a garden.

~We get to see more birds, and maybe, even wake up early because of all the birds chirping. (!)

~We all spend more time outdoors, soaking up the Vitamin D.

~No more heavy coats and flip flops and sandals enter our world again. AAAHHH that feels good!

I know it seems rather redundant to WASH your top loading washing machine, but think of all the dirt and grime that go through it yearly. It needs a bath too! 

Fill the washer with HOT water. Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach - no detergent and let the machine agitate for a minute, then let it sit for one hour. After one hour, allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle. Immediately fill the washer with HOT water again and add 1 quart distilled white vinegar. Let agitate for a minute, and again, let it sit for one hour. Using the bleach and vinegar will clean away bacteria, soap scum and mineral deposits from the wash basket and hoses. Every washer should be cleaned at least twice per year.

I think most of us believe that a ceramic stovetop will be easier to clean because it's smooth, but sometimes it takes a lot of elbow grease to get it in shape. Here's what you need to give your stovetop a real shine..

Bowl of hot soapy water

Baking soda

A clean rag

Gloves (baking soda can be harsh on your hands. You'll be glad you are using them).

Fill a bowl with hot tap water and add a little dish soap. Wet the rag. Apply baking soda over the stovetop, especially any affected areas that need extra attention. Wring about half the hot water out of your rag. You want it soggy, but not dripping; lay it over the baking soda. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Swirl the rag in circles, using the soda paste as a gentle scrub. Dry the surface and give it a good shine.

*To clean microwave, place about 1 - 2 Tb. lemon juice in water in glass bowl. (I love using my 4-cup glass measuring cup for this) Microwave for about 4 minutes, then let it stand a few minutes while the steam works on the dirt inside. Using a damp cloth, wipe out the microwave and you'll leave it clean and lemon-y smelling. You might want to add this to your weekly list too.

Cleaning grout is a good springtime job. It's made easy with this formula: 7 c.water, 1/2 c.baking soda, 1/3 c.ammonia (or lemon juice) and 1/4 c.vinegar. Spray on grout,let stand for about an hour, then vigorously scrub with a brush. You'll be pleased with the changes.

I found these great thoughts about de-cluttering - 'letting go' - at www.springcleaning365.com. While it may be very difficult to get rid of clutter, it can bring great relief by doing it. I want to challenge you to get rid of one thing each day this month. 31 things that you don’t need.

You may think that’s impossible; that is until you think about it for a minute. Let’s quickly brainstorm to come up with some ideas of things we may be keeping around our home but don’t need, use, or love.

Old magazines

Books we’ve never read

Expired coupons

Clothes that don’t fit

Duplicate items

Gadgets that are never used

Outdated paperwork (ex. insurance policies from previous years)

DVD’s never watched

Toys the kids have outgrown

Formal dresses that will never be worn again

I bet the majority of us could knock out the entire month just by getting rid of one magazine or book each day! If not, I’m sure you can come up with 31 random things to trash, sell, or donate. Look at it this way. If you can get rid of 31 things that you don’t need, you’ll have 31 less things to clean or clean around. The chore of keeping your home clean and organized will be so much easier!!

I love using homemade cleaners, so I wanted to share these great ideas that work nicely. The same day I made these refreshers, I put green onions down the disposal. Then tossing one of these refreshers into my disposal made the whole kitchen smell better, and it also helps clean the disposal. Keep them handy to use anytime an unpleasant odor hits.

HOMEADE GARBAGE DISPOSAL REFRESHERS

3/4 c. baking soda 

1/2 c. salt

1 tsp. liquid dish soap 

2 tsp. water

1 fresh lemon

Cookie sheet covered with waxed or parchment paper

Small spoon or scoop

Airtight jar or container

Gather the ingredients. Add baking soda and salt to a small mixing bowl; stir until smooth and blended. Grate the lemon peel into the mixture along with adding the liquid dish soap and water. Slice the lemon in half; squeeze the juice into the mixture. Add juice and stir until mixture resembles course sand. Using a small spoon or scoop, tap mounds onto the covered cookie sheet. I used my smallest spring loaded scoop and thought it was perfect. Allow to stand and dry overnight. Keep handy in an airtight jar or container.

HOMEMADE FEBREEZE

1/8 c. fabric softener

2 Tb. baking soda

hot tap water

spray bottle (about 30 ozs) 

few drops of essential oil (lavendar or orange)for fragrance, optional

Using a funnel, pour fabric softener and baking soda into empty spray bottle. Fill bottle with hot tap water and shake well. (Be sure nozzle is closed before shaking). Spray away! Being frugal can save as much as 90% of what you'd pay in the store.

Homemade Febreeze (so simple)

I love making homemade 'cleaners' for the home. Not only are they frugal, but we can know what's in them.  It's good to know I'm not spreading chemicals in the home and the environment.

I was tickled when a friend sent me this simple recipe for fabric refreshener. I'm sure there are a number of variations on the net and at Pinterest for this recipe. I didn't do any research as this recipe seemed to be worth a try. 

Can't go wrong!  Try it - you'll like it.  I added a touch of lavendar essential oil too.  

HOMEMADE FEBREEZE

1/8 c. fabric softener

(I love Downy or Suavitel)

click here for simple recipe for homemade fabric softener)

2 Tb. baking soda

hot tap water

spray bottle (27 ozs) 

few drops of essential oil (lavendar or orange) for fragrance, optional

Using a funnel, pour fabric softener and baking soda into empty spray bottle. Fill bottle with hot tap water and shake well. (Be sure nozzle is closed before shaking). 

Spray away!!! Making your own makes for a large savings for you! 

Linked to Mop it up Monday

Homemade Garbage Disposal Cleaner

I love using homemade cleaners.  Especially if it's simple to make, and if I don't have to go out and purchase several other ingredients.  I love using what I have on hand.  When I can avoid harsh chemicals in my home, I go for it. 

My favorite thing to 'deodorize' the kitchen with, using the garbage disposal is orange or lemon peels.  It gives off such a great fragrance.

(& there isn't much of that going on in a garbage disposal huh?) 

Well, this great homemade cleaner will leave you with a great smell too. 

So when I saw this quick and simple 2-ingredient mixture to pour down the disposal, I had to try it.  Thanks so much to Katie at Fun Home Things who also shares craft tutorials and homemaking tips.  Great blog Katie!
(I am partial to your name too..we have a granddaughter named Kaity=). 

When you first add the baking soda to the lemon juice, it will have a reaction, so be sure to put it in a bigger container.  After the first addition, it simmers down. 

Just mix it up when you need it. And enjoy the lovely smell in your kitchen....while cleaning your disposal!

HOMEMADE GARBAGE DISPOSAL CLEANER

1/2 c. lemon juice
1/2 c. baking soda

In large microwavable dish, heat lemon juice in microwave for 30 seconds.  Add baking soda slowly (be cautious...it will bubble up) and mix well.  Turn on the disposal and pour down the drain.  Turn on hot water for a few seconds to rinse it away. Use weekly for a fresh smelling disposal. 

Linked to Mix it up Monday

Homemade Fabric Softener

                                                                   

I love being able to make-my-own cleaners, soaps...and now fabric softener.  It isn't just frugal, it's better for the environment too.  I was just tickled to find this recipe at Mommy's Kitchen. Tina's blog is loaded with everyday delicious recipes using ingredients from the pantry....with lots of practical ideas too.   

I JUST LOVE THAT!!

Like Tina, I love the fragrance my Downy gives my clothes, so instead of having two separate mixtures, I added my homemade softener to about the same amount as the Downy left in my extra big bottle. 

It is working just fine - I'm 'extending' my store-purchased liquid with my homemade concoction...using white distilled vinegar, any hair conditioner and water!

Vinegar is known to be a great odor remover and doesn't leave behind the smell of vinegar. 

Check out Tina's page for her thoughts on this great DIY product.  Be sure to read the comments there too.  Several of her readers suggested adding a couple drops of essential oils to give the homemade softener (not mixed with Downy) a fragrance.  Read more there for other ideas....

Who doesn't want to save $$?  This costs less than $3.00 for a gallon!!!

HOMEMADE FABRIC SOFTENER

6 cups hot water

3 c. white distilled vinegar

2 c. hair conditioner (any brand)

1 empty gallon container

In large (microwave safe) bowl, mix vinegar and hair conditioner together (it will look a tad clumpy).

Place bowl in microwave and heat for a minute or two. This will ensure the ingredients will blend together. Remove from microwave and stir. 

Add hot water and mix to blend. Pour mixture into a one gallon container and store in laundry room. 

Use same amount as you would store-purchased softener. 

(though I always use about half as much as the label says).

Note: Be sure to shake bottle well before adding to dispenser, downy ball or directly in rinse cycle. 

Linked to Creative Thursday
              Mop it up Monday
            Weekend Potluck
           Freakin' Did it Friday
   Tips & Tricks