How to simply fold a Fitted Sheet!

I have considered sharing these instructions for years...just finally getting around to it!

The task of folding a fitted sheet can become a real conundrum if you haven't learned how.  I've seen folks struggle...and struggle...with this process. 

When I was at the laundromat as a newlywed, I watched a woman

fold her sheets this way, and that's how I've done it 

ever since! 

(& and I'm SO thankful I learned early on)

I keep my sheets in a drawer, but love the idea of placing

the fitted and flat sheets to a set inside one of the pillowcases

that go with it...adding the second pillowcase inside. 

Then it's all together when you want it and it looks nice and neat

on a linen closet shelf. 

I have NO idea where I got this set of photos...years ago...showing how to fold

a fitted sheet, but I'm going to share, along with a link to

WikiHow...with video instructions there....below.  

If you scroll down past the comments at the link below, there is a "Summary" that I think explains this process rather simply. 

And maybe even the photos above will make more sense once you've

watched the video or read the Summary. 

The basic idea is to tuck all 4 elastic corners into one corner...then you're able to 'flatten' it and fold into thirds or forths...

I just know you're going to figure this out!! 

HAPPY FOLDING!!!!!!! 

Instructions for folding a fitted sheet

​

Homemade Ice Packs (2 simple ingredients!)

I love any- and every- thing about DIY!  Why pay the price to purchase something when you can make it yourself for so much less?

I present to you these lovely Homemade Ice Packs.  Was so tickled to find this 2-ingredient (if you count the water!) idea to have on hand. 

Make a few and keep handy in the freezer for bumps, bruises and scrapes. 
Especially nice to have for the busy summertime. 

(Or just curl up with one to cool down???) lol

Thanks to Shari Lynne at Faith Filled Food for Moms for sharing this terrific idea. 

HOMEMADE ICE PACKS 

Water

rubbing alcohol

freezer zip lock bags 

food coloring, optional

For one small ice pack, mix 1 c. water with 1/2 c. rubbing alcohol.

Double or triple for larger bags.

Add food coloring for fun if desired. 

Pour into small freezer zip lock bag, zip it closed, squeezing out any air...place into another one to prevent any leaks. Lay flat in freezer until ready to use. (If you can't find a flat spot...I know that can be a challenge for me...just lay them on a cookie sheet to freeze flat.) 

When using, be sure to place a towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent any more owies. 

You might also want to try this wonderful 
Homemade Fabric Softener  (3 ingredients!)

Linked to Mix it up Monday
        Tips & Tricks

​

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 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

April 2011 - Leader Enterprise - Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring has sprung and isn’t it glorious? It’s definitely my favorite season of the year. I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying sunshine. It tends to warm us up inside and out. And to see those flowers peeking their heads out of the ground!I just love it.

This is the time of year we begin thinking about spring cleaning. I feel more like cleaning on a sunny day than a cloudy one, and realize it’s much easier to see dirt and dust in the natural light.
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.

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 cups baking soda
1/2 cup liquid soap
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 clean 16-ounce spray bottle with closing cap

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.
Remove Stains on Carpet: Lift out many stains from your carpet with vinegar.

Rub light carpet stains with a mixture of 2 tablespoons salt dissolved in 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the solution dry,then vacuum.

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.
I found this recipe at “Mennonite Girls Can Cook” blog online and it is wonderful! They have fantastic ideas and recipes. This would be a great dish to help use up your leftover Easter ham. Easy too.It can easily be cut in half.

CHICKEN CORDON BAKE

4 cups chicken, cooked and diced
2 cups ham, cooked and diced
1 c.shredded swiss cheese
1 c. onion, chopped
1/4 c.butter
1/3 c.flour
2-1/4 c.milk
½ tsp.dry mustard
1/8 tsp.nutmeg
1/4 tsp.salt, optional
½ tsp.pepper

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9”X13” baking dish. Layer chicken,ham and cheese. Saute onion in butter.Stir in flour and whisk in milk; add dry mustard and seasonings. Cook and stir until thickened. Pour over ham mixture and sprinkle with topping.

CRUNCHY TOPPING

2-1/2 c. coarse bread crumbs
1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 c.melted butter

Mix together until combined; sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve with rice and a vegetable or salad and enjoy!

This egg salad recipe 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!
I’m excited about having a booksigning at Hometown Hardware in Pioneer on Sat., April 16th from 11 AM – 2 PM. Would love to see you there.

LAUNDRY/HOW TO SAVE BIG BUCKS

OH HOW THANKFUL I AM THAT I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO THE RIVER TO GET OUR CLOTHES WASHED!


I've honestly been thinking of putting together a post to share these very ideas,
so I was really happy to come across this, which explains it all more thoroughly
than I ever could.  Hope you pick up some useful hints to help you save big $$.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON LAUNDRY DETERGENT

picture credit: hoyasmeg Bob

WANNA KNOW HOW TO MAKE YOUR CLOTHES LAST LONGER?

credit: Ssmallfry

OK - besides the idea of not wearing them???  *-*


I found this to be very interesting info, so wanted to share with you...

5 TRICKS TO HELP MAKE YOUR CLOTHING LAST LONGER

I would also add to not wash them as often either....
If your clothes haven't gotten dirty, you haven't worn them long,
or you've not been sweaty, hang it back up and wear it again. 

We reuse our towels after showering -
after all - we ARE clean when we get out of the shower, and we each
have our own.  Something to consider....our towels have lasted for years.







I will be sharing more laundry hints soon....

Leader Enterprise Article - April 2010 - Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is in the air! And hasn’t it been glorious!? The longer daylight hours seem to light a fire under us to clean,scrub,get rid of dust bunnies and organize our homes.
I'm sharing some simpler spring cleaning tips to help motivate you.It feels good to get your home freshened.It also helps shake off winter and welcomes the warmer temperatures.But don’t wear yourself out and try to ‘binge’ clean.Doing a little at a time can make a real difference over time.


Open up the windows and doors in your home and let the fresh air in and the winter doldrums out.


Get rid of your old sponges and look for some cheery, colorful ones to brighten up your kitchen.



Take your wastebaskets outside for a good cleaning. You can hose them out and turn upside down to dry.Sprinkle the bottoms lightly with baking soda to keep the odors down.I keep replacement bags in the bottom of the basket,so they are handy when the next one is needed.


Wash small knicknacks instead of dusting them.
Wipe refrigerator out with baking soda water to rid odors,or vinegar water to reduce mildew.An open box of soda will easily absorb odors for several weeks.Be sure to vacuum the coils and motor to remove dust and dirt and keep the motor running properly.


Wash your shower curtain and liner in the washer,adding a bath towel for scrubbing action.Hang to dry or pop in the dryer for a few minutes,then rehang.
Sprinkle your carpets with a light dusting of baking soda;let stand overnight,and in the morning,vacuum away the odors.If you prefer purchased fragranced carpet fresheners,add baking soda to stretch the product but retain the scent.

Air out throw rugs on the clothesline to freshen.

To remove scuff marks from no-wax floors,it’s as easy as rubbing with a dry paper towel.Don’t use anything abrasive as it removes the shine and scratches the floor.

We don’t have to spend money on pricey products to make our home ‘sing’ and smell fresh and clean.Here are a few ideas for using natural products in your home.


A wonderful natural air freshener is made by mixing lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.



Grind citrus peels in the garbage disposal to eliminate nasty odors and freshen the drain.Boil peels to freshen up the whole house.

To remove showerhead build up,remove and soak in white or cider vinegar,then scrub with a toothbrush.If it can’t be removed, pour vinegar into a plastic bag and tie around your showerhead so the nozzle is submerged.Let it set overnight,or atleast 8 hours.It should dissolve any mineral deposits.




Wondering what to do if someone comes to your door and you haven't gotten around to spring cleaning?Always have get well cards ready.Put them on the mantle,then let in your guest,sigh,and mention how of course you would have cleaned by now if that nasty bug hadn’t kept you down.


I have been using this recipe and am very pleased with the results.


HOMEMADE LAMINATE FLOOR CLEANER
In a spray bottle, mix 1 cup water,1 cup rubbing alcohol,1 cup white vinegar and 1 Tb. liquid dish soap. Shake,spray and mop as usual. A sponge mop does not do well on laminates - use a cloth mop.




Next month I will be sharing my two favorite asparagus recipes.

Making Your Own Cleaners

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 recently, 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 the recipe down! 

It nearly brought me to my knees to have to pay high dollar for my laminate floor cleaner, so you can imagine the thrill it was to find a homemade recipe....especially one that worked so nicely!

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 - and enjoy the $$ savings!!

Tips to help with Recipe Organization

I LOVE RECIPES.

I love reading them - I love collecting them - I love sharing them - I love making them!

I have sooo many recipes and need to have an 'extra' day in my life to get things organized as I'd like. There are times when I get totally frustrated, because I have Too Many Recipes, and can't find the one I'm looking for.

But I do have some thoughts for organizing your recipes that I want to share.

If you have many cookbooks, have you considered the idea of making a 'recipe file' with the name of the cookbook, the recipe name and page number? I have often kept a list in front of the cookbooks with the recipes I want to try, along with the page number. It helps save me time looking, but what works for one, may not be good for another.

I have a recipe drawer - this is where I keep my most used/new recipes. If it's out of sight, it's so often out of mind, so it's something I go through often.

I use the small flimsy-cover photo albums, and have them labeled with different topics: 9 x 13 desserts, appetizers, 'real food', microwave - whatever you use most, to keep recipes handy. I stand them up on end in the front of the drawer, so they're easily accessible and to view.

I do love the 'make your own' cookbooks - with sections for holding magazine (rectangular) recipes. It helps me clear out the recipe magazines that pile up in my kitchen.

I also keep folders in the drawer - color coded - and store favorite recipes in them. I have one just for 'Favorites from Friends" and write on the manilla folder, which recipe from which gal, because they often get shared too.

I have a friend who tries a new recipe nearly every day of her life and I often get to be a part of taste testing. She sometimes, leaves a sample at my door - and I don't have to wonder who has dropped it off. She keeps a 3-ring binder with recipes/pictures and it's wonderful to go through. I have learned from her, to always write on a recipe what I thought of it, but if it isn't a 'keeper', it gets pitched. I do LOVE recipes - and it's easy to get frustrated if you don't have a system.

Hope some of these ideas make things easier for you in the kitchen.