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Fun & Farmer’s Markets

It’s that time of year again – farmer’s markets are opening up everywhere. I like to check out the farmer’s markets in different towns. You never know the delicious produce you will find. Of course, my downfall is the baked goods that are often there too.

I’m excited about this farmer’s market season because of Debbie Meyer Green Bags. Using these bags means no more “eyes bigger than my stomach moments”. In other words, I would load up on fruits and veggies and they would end up going bad. However this year will be different. I can buy to my heart’s content and store the food in these amazing bags. They will save me time, money and guilt. Give ‘em a try this season – I think you will be pleased as well.

Until next time… Ann

Cutting Down On Cleaning Time

If I really work fast, I can clean almost my entire house in an hour and a half. I don’t get to the deep cleaning chores, but I do tackle the basics. I don’t have carpet – just area rugs and faux hardwoods. One of my main cleaning weapons is the Bissell Featherweight Vac. I actually own three – one for each floor (I live in a split level). This vac is so easy to maneuver, picks up everything and empties in seconds. I also find that a quick sweep with this vac in my kitchen every night and in my bathroom every morning leaves things presentable. That’s the thing about cleaning – no one likes to do it, but if you keep up with it a little bit at a time, it makes it that much more manageable. Then, when you are done cleaning, you can go about and enjoy your day. I don’t know about you – but knowing I am coming home to, or leaving a messy house, leaves me all out of sorts. I try to avoid that feeling at all costs. Bottom line – this vac in great – very lightweight (I can’t stand a heavy vac) and powerful.

Until next time… Ann

New Kids On The Block, Concert Memories & Hefty Baggies?

I see the latest big story is the New Kids On The Block reunion tour. I was never a New Kids fan, although I certainly had my share of embarrassing bands I was a fan of (Kajagoogoo, Men Without Hats, etc.). The whole NKOTB media hype reminds me of my first concert – INXS – back in 1983. I snuck a disc camera (some of you may be too young to remember those) inside the concert in a kleenex box. I packed the camera in a hefty baggie. I remember this like it was yesterday. I think I even still have a photo I took from that show. Those hefty baggies are still for sale. You don’t seem them in regular stores, but we sell them. So even though these are food bags, they will always remind me of my musical past.

New Kids On The Block (back in the day)
Until next time… Ann

Pots and Pans with Problems

If you have ever left something on the stove a bit too long and burned what it was you were cooking, then you know the frustration of getting it cleaned.  There’s always that black, thick, crusted “stuff” at the bottom of the pan.  You can try soaking it or cooking it off, but sometimes that just leads to more work and scrubbing than you want to do on a Sunday afternoon.  We are not professional chefs, and we do make mistakes, and that is why there is Sokoff.  It is specially designed to get that black burnt mess off of your pots and pans.  It also cleans them, and shines them better than any other product on the market.  Just brush on, let it soak, and rinse the burnt on grease right off. Trust me, you will truly be amazed by Sokoff!

As always, Art.

Garbage Disposal Clean-up

First of all its really dangerous to try to clean a garbage disposal without the proper tools.  The last thing you need to do is put your hand into your drain where that disposal unit is lurking.  Granted, no damage can be done without the switch being flipped, but I’m not willing to take any chances.  Hospital trips are just no fun at all.

Here are some proper tools.  On the left you have tablets that dissolve grime and buildup with a scientifically designed set of ingredients that kill bacteria and odor with a lemon scent.  On the right you have a specially made brush just for garbage disposals.  When used in conjunction you’re drain will be just like new in no time.

As always, Art.

How To Expand Storage Space Easily

If you have limited space already, or just need some more, there are more ways to gain extra space without building an addition to your home.  You can easily go out and purchase an extra stand alone cupboard or a shelving unit, but that just adds to the sometimes already cluttered areas that you are trying to clean up in the first place.  Need a good solution?
Try the Under Shelf Storage Basket

It adds enough space in your pantry if you need, and still looks nice enough to put out in the open. These attach very easily and work great.

As always, Art.

Freezer Follies

I have a really old fridge, but I don’t want to replace it because I have custom made chalkboard panels on it. Unfortunately, the fridge is not very efficient, the lights inside don’t work and the freezer is filling with ice. Granted, the ice buildup is my fault for being sloppy when I put my ice cube tray inside. And, it does not have an ice cube dispenser on the outside. Nevertheless, I am trying to hold onto it as long as I can because the chalkboard panels cost almost as much as a new fridge would. So, this weekend I plan to try Frost Free defroster spray. It seems simple enough – just spray and the ice turns to liquid. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Until next time… Ann

(This isn’t my fridge, but this is what it looks like)

Colorful Clips Organize Everything

So, have you done your taxes yet? I found the perfect way to organize all my receipts, etc. I use Everything Clips. They hold more than paper clips and their bright colors make it easy to separate paperwork by category (donations, interest income, etc.). These clips are also great for use in the kitchen. As a matter of fact, that is their primary use, but I like to think outside the box.

Tax time is less than a month away so don’t delay.

Until next time… Ann

“I’m proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is—I could be just as proud for half the money.” – Arthur Godfrey

Pantry Pests Could Be A Problem

For the most part, we usually check the fridge first to see what has spoiled.  We look into the crisper drawer and find that half bag of mixed greens that was pushed to the back and has remained hidden since New Years Day.  That goes for old leftovers, fruits, vegetables, and other long forgotten items that you need a treasure map to find.

We often times forget to look into the pantry for spoiled food.  Flour actually has an expiration date, and cereal, if not stored in proper containers, tends to go bad after just a few weeks.  This blog is not just about expiration dates.  We can sometimes find pests in our pantry.  They find their way into old food, or can ruin packages that have not been sealed properly.
According to the National Pest Management Association the most common type of pantry pests are Indian Meal Moths.  These insects do not carry diseases and are not particularly harmful to your home.  They are, however, a gigantic nuisance.  They spend their time in your pantry laying up to 200 eggs per week.  If they can go undisturbed for another week, you may have a few hundred meal moths flying around your house.

If this has already happened to you, or you would like to prevent it, you may want to try a environmentally safe pest trap.  They are safe to use around food, pets, and children.  Click here to learn more. 

As always, Art.

Cooking Up A Storm

We hit our lowest temperature of the year yesterday – 4 degrees…brrrr, I’m shivering just thinking about it. There is something about cold weather that just makes me want to stay inside and bake brownies, cakes, cookies and eat comfort food (mac n’ cheese, meatloaf, etc.) Of course, it could also be that I am dieting and just craving those things.

Either way, there is one handy helper that I could not do without in the kitchen. And that handy helper is (drum roll please….)

Oven Gloves!

They are just wonderful for taking food out of the oven and toaster oven. 2 other uses for these gloves that you may not have thought of:

1) Removing hot light bulbs

2) Wearing while using a curling iron to avoid getting burned (don’t laugh, it works!)

“If you are ever at a loss to support a flagging conversation, introduce the subject of eating.” – Leigh Hunt

Until next time… Ann