Fire it Up. It's Time. Let's Talk

Fireplaces are a commitment, but worth it to some folks. Ah, the heat and those hypnotizing flames are relaxing. I know a family that gathers around their fire place like most families watch TV. And that's exactly what they do during the off season. They create a cozy area to watch TV, covering up the big dark hole in the wall.

I thought of a couple more ideas. I looked for more but couldn't find any other ways to make use of a fireplace. other than the traditional. If you could add a comment about your fire place usage, likes, dislikes. If you want. Thank you for that.

• Candles displayed and lit in place of the logs might be the less messy choice. They would light the room and produce more heat than you would think. 
• Decorate the area for each holiday throughout the year. Everybody would get a kick out of it.

A sweet aroma coming from the fireplace adds another reason to keep the flames burning. Besides it's cold outside. Making your own pine cone fire starters are easy enough.

1. Melt paraffin wax in a coffee can that is placed in a pan of water on top of the stove.
2. As your wax melts add drops of your favorite scented oil.
3. Tie a piece of string or candlewick to the top of a pine cone.
4. Dip pine cone into the scented paraffin wax.
5. Allow to completely harden and then dip again.
6. Repeat.
7. Place pine cone under logs and start your fire.

If you would rather just buy your fire starters, Etsy.com is the place to go on the Internet. They have a nice selection to choose from.

Fire it up. It's cold outside. 

Resources:

Tiptionary 2 by Mary Hunt. 

Bed Sheets Repel Deer From Gardens

Yep, ordinary white bed sheets. Must be white. You'll see. Every once in a while a tip will come along that deserves honorable mention. Not only does it qualify because of multiple uses that make sense. It's completely doable for me. Meaning no crazy ingredients or instructions. An honorable mention has a little bit more. And this tip using bed sheets to repel deer from my garden, made me giggle. See if it doesn't put a smile on your face.

Circle your garden with cord about 3 feet from the ground. Then about every two feet tie strips of the white bed sheet. A flash of white, tail-high warns a deer to high-tail it. 

Image Mystic Art Design Pixabay

Please tell me you just smiled. Maybe a little?

We are not through with those white bed sheets just yet. 

• drop cloth when painting
• happy birthday banner, garage sale banner, welcome home banner  team banner, your get the idea.
• target practice once you draw a bull's-eye.
• very handy for taking to the lake to lay on while sunbathing, use as a towel or a tablecloth.

Speaking of tablecloths. You know those red and white checkered plastic table cloths sold in the summer. Grab one of these and let the kids use it to play checkers or for drawing. The ability to write on these tablecloths has been useful and fun at the same time for the adults too.

Image PixabayVictor Jumbo 

One more honorable mention before you go. 

Image Bruno Glatsch Pixabay

Stuffed animals are not just for setting around to look cute. I guess that is their main thing. But you know what else they can do while setting around looking cute. And by the way if  you are fresh out of stuffed animals, but dying to make some bookends. Don't buy them brand new. Save your money and adopt from a thrift store. They usually have a lot on the shelf. Some of them have the original tag attached.

  (I once found a Steiff stuffed dog at the bottom of the stuffed animal bin at a thrift store.) 

• set stuffed animals along the bottoms of windows and doors during the winter to stop a draft and set there looking all lined up and cute.
• insert rocks or marbles, sew them up, apply some rubber from a glove to the bottom of your stuffed animal bookend to prevent slipping, while sitting there looking cute.
• makes a great hiding place for valuables because they are cute, not hiding anything.

Speaking of stuffed animals. Some one should start a not-for-profit shelter and adoption center for all the homeless stuffed animals that go without needed love everyday. And too many are trashed and discarded, only to wind up at the landfill. Never to return.

Image Paul Brennan Pixabay

The shelter would also promote manufacturing awareness. From the manufacturers to the advertisers and all the other occupations involved. They must take  responsibility for the role they have played contributing to the stuffed animal crisis we see today.

Thanks for stopping by. 

Leave a comment and let me know where to repay the visit with a link. Do you agree with my choices for honorable mention? Maybe you have a candidate for the title? Share, please.

Resource: Reader's Digest Practical Problem Solver, 1992

Image Pixabay

Plastic Lids, Potatoes and Wading Pools Have This In Common

Potatoes, wading pools and plastic lids are all super stars when it comes to usefulness and easily done.  Easily done means no crazy ingredients or weirdness. Those are the two requirements that must be met for any tip to get my attention. They all passed the test with flying colors.

I know for sure I will never look at a plastic lid the same way again. A bag of potatoes will become a staple again in my kitchen. And I guess I'm just speechless when it comes to the wading pool.

Potatoes on Overtime

• Dye your hair darker with potato water. Dip a comb in the water that potatoes were boiled in and then comb through hair. To speed the effect and help set the darker color, dry hair in the sun or a blow dryer. Heat is what we are going for here. I have had success with putting on a shower cap. The heat coming from my head is trapped which intensifies the effects of dye.

• Black paint is made by baking potatoes until they are completely dried out and black. Grind thoroughly with a mortar and pestle. I bet there is a setting for that on a fancy blender or maybe food processor. I don't have either so it's up to you to let me know by leaving a comment. Add enough linseed oil to form a paint like consistency. I never have enough black paint.
• First aid kit inclusion as a compress after an accident. Boil a potato for a warm compress. Put that boiled potato in the refrigerator for a cold compress.
• First aid kit as itch relief. Salt a thin slice of a raw potato. Rub on hives or insect bites for itch relief.

Plastic Lids Do Double Duty

• Use the caps from spray paint cans to organize the screws, nails and other small find-me-not items that scatter about. Attach caps to a sturdy bottom so it's easily removed or maybe just setting them down in a drawer is just as good. An easy trim if they are a little too tall.  
• A three or four inch plastic lid from a tub of butter with an X cut into the center becomes an impromptu ponytail holder. The same plastic lid and the same X slid onto the handle of a paint brush becomes a shield to catch accidental paint drippings that can cause havoc.
• Rim down and placed over a drain makes a plastic lid a sink stopper.
• Be on the lookout for those lids that will be a perfect fit on a magnifier, binoculars or camera lenses. I really like this idea. I'm on the hunt.
• Plastic lids can be cut and used as stencils. Hey, haven't we heard that a potato... no wait, I'm thinking about a raw potato used as a stamp. Never mind. But this is a good one to remember.

Image by Pixabay

Wading pools are not just for keeping cool in the summer, but for looking cool too. Obviously, just look at him. So cool. Even though the price was right when I saw wading pools on clearance a couple of months a go. I could not figure out where to store my bargains until next summer, so no deal. Until now. I might even  buy a wading pool at full price when summer gets here

During the summer months fill with fresh cold water from the hose for your feet. Toddlers will love to swim in them and when your back is turned so will the birds. Filled with ice, they make a great cooler for drinks at your next party. Or corral toys and other yard stuff laying about.

Here's where my mind is blown. A new approach. I missed it plain and simple. An easy fix to my problem, couldn't see it. Completely missed it. I think two or three wading pools would be fun and functional in the summer.

During the winter months wading pools become storage containers for what ever fits into them leaving enough clearance to slide easily under a bed. Out of sight. This is a personal favorite of mine. Wading pools can be used in several different ways all year long, useful multiplied. Fairly inexpensive and available for purchase just about anywhere during the summer, easily done.

I think I have seen quite a few wading pools thrown away at the end of summer, either in a dumpster or setting beside the road for trash pick up. You betcha I'll be watching out for them now. And when buying a new one probably gonna consider how sturdy and dimensions.
Wading pools could be super useful for those long tubes of wrapping paper. And what a great organizer. Portable and stocked with everything needed on Christmas morning for Santa's helpers.

Tag you're it. Leave a note. Thanks

Resources:
Images from Pixabay.com
1991 Reader's Digest's Practical Problem Solver 

Microwave Cooking 101

When I came into this world a microwave could be found in just about every kitchen and was used practically every day. I don't recall being taught anything about them, and I'm quite sure not one household was using them to their full potential. I was an adult before I realized that the microwave could be used for something other than re-heating left overs or making popcorn. How about you?

• I was stunned to find out an entire meal could be cooked in a microwave. 
• Thawing frozen foods is a snap and saves enormous amounts of time in a microwave. 
• Did you know how food is arranged in the microwave has everything to do with how the food cooks and for how long? 
• The size and shape of the container used also plays a major role in the outcome of the dish.

So without further ado, let's begin.

Adapting A Recipe

• Cooking time will be around 25% of conventional cooking time when adapting a recipe to cook in microwave. 
• You will need to experiment and adjust the power setting according to your preference. 
• Pay attention not to overcook. 

Arrangement

• When cooking more than one item at the same time, arrange the food items in a circular fashion. 
• Potatoes should be arranged in a ring. 
• Corn on the cob gets arranged like the spokes on a wheel. 
• Chicken pieces, pork chops and other meats with bones should be placed so that the bony parts are in the center and thick parts go to the outside.
• When re-heating leftovers remember denser foods are placed at the outer edge and more porous foods like rolls or fluffy rice get placed in the center of the plate.

Browning

• Meat and poultry brown after about ten minutes. 
• A special microwave browning dish or grill is  usually available for meats that cook too quickly for browning like, hamburger, pork chops or steak.
• You an also create a browned look by brushing on a gravy mix or bottled brown bouquet.
• Cakes, breads and pie shells don't brown well. Not so important with chocolate or spice cakes. 
• For others, molasses or dark syrups may be brushed on. 
• Glaze or a frosting might work as well.

Selecting Container

• When a particular size or shape is specified in a recipe, use it for best results.
• Generally a tall narrow container increases cooking time.
• A broad shallow container reduces cooking time. 
• Recipes for puddings and sauces call for large containers to prevent boil overs.
• Cakes and some loaf recipes call for round cookware to provide more even cooking.

Coverings

• Covers trap steam, speed cooking time and help foods retain their natural moisture. 
• Suitable coverings are micro-proof casserole tops, glass covers, plastic wrap, waxed paper, micro-proof plates and saucers. 
• Paper towels are useful to prevent splatters but do not rap steam.
• Always remove coverings away from hands and face to prevent a burn from the steam.

Size Doesn't Matter

• In this case anyway, it's more about the density. 
• A slice of bread has low density and more air.
• A slice of meat the same size has high density and less air.
• Even though they are basically the same size, the slice of meat takes a lot longer to reheat than the slice of bread because there is less air or more density.

Defrosting

• Large items should be turned and rotated halfway through defrosting time to provide more even thawing.
• Foods in approved coverings thaw more quickly.
• Remove thawed portions of ground meat as soon as thawed. Return frozen portions back to the microwave to finish thawing.
• To thaw half of a frozen veggie package, wrap half of the package with foil. When the unwrapped side is thawed, place the foil covered side after separating with knife or scissors back into the freezer for next time.
• Thin or sliced items should be separated as soon as possible. Remove thawed pieces and allow other slices to continue thawing.
• Poultry wings, legs and small or the bone ends of meat might need to be covered with foil strips for most of the thawing time to prevent cooking. 

Bonus Tip  - The microwave can bring chips back to life if they get stale. Place a plateful of chips and microwave. Check them every 30 seconds or so for warmth and crispness. Works great!

 

Pop quiz next time! Don't forget to study!

Extra credit for sharing one of your favorite microwave tips and/or recipes in a comment!

Guide For Picking the Ripest Juiciest Best Fruit

Bananas  should be slightly under ripe. You are looking for bright yellow, no bruising and slightly green on the stem end. Do not put in the refrigerator.


Plums and Peaches are good for about five days in the fridge. When you first bite into it and the juice is the perfect sweetness. Pick fruits that have a rich color. A solid soft (my words) when you hold it. You want your fruit to be firm but not hard to the touch. No mushy, no shriveled, no bruising, no cuts and no brown spots.

Apples should have no bruises or cuts. A firm or hard feel in your hand. Look for bright colors. Refrigeration not required unless they are cut up. To decrease the browning, squeeze lemon juice all over.

Pineapples are best stored at 70 degrees away form sunlight. They will not ripen any further. Smell the pineapple's butt (stem end for those with no sense of humor). A sweet fragrance detected means you hit the jackpot. But if there is no smell or a fermented one, steer clear. Opt for a small compact crown with rich green leaves. Pineapples are usually available all year round, but March is when you will find the sweetest. Once cut up refrigeration will be required but they will deteriorate quickly.

Grapes need to get into the refrigerator as soon as possible. Do not wash them, just leave them in the bag they were purchased in..Wash them under cold water when you are ready to eat them. In the store make sure the bunch has all over even color. They should be plump and firmly attached to a flexible stem.

Oranges are firm and heavy with finely textured skin. There are several different kinds and they can be refrigerated for two weeks. Naval oranges are good for eating and most popular. Roll your orange in a circular motion on the table or counter right before peeling. Pulp gets juicier and peeling will be easier.

Watermelon is a big favorite of mine. Going in blind has produced some real stinkers in the past. Not anymore. I picked out the sweetest, most best, delicious watermelon the other night at the store. Use these tips like I did and you will fall in love with watermelon all over again.

• White streaks on the melon indicate a less sweet fruit.
• A deep thump will be heard if you gently knock on the outside rind.
• The surface should be firm and smooth.
• On the underside is the yellowish or cream white area that touch the ground. A bigger area means the watermelon was not picked until fully ripe at maximum sweetness. 
• Inside should be bright red, firm and juicy with mostly black seeds.
• Stem should be shriveled and ready to fall off. 
• I find I have the most luck picking one that is medium sized and oblong shape.

Nectarines are orange, yellow and red at their best. Store at room temp until they soften and ripen. After that store in the refrigerator for no more than five days.

Cantaloupes are ripe with yellowish, thick coarse veining. Avoid a surface that is too soft. A sweet fragrance should be noticeable. Check the blossom end is indented and slightly soft to pressure. 

Honeydews are the best with a creamy white or yellowish white smooth skin. A sweet fragrance will be found also. Surface should not be too soft. 

There you have it. Please let me know about the ones I have left out.

Powers Out! How long will the food last in the fridge?

With all the crazy storms, high winds, rain, flooding, lightening, tornadoes, trees down, blown transformers and power outages means no electricity. Oh no the refrigerator! The food! Is it still good once the lights come back on? I've got the break down for you right here.

I have heard that a full freezer is better but I forget exactly why it's a better choice for your pocket book. To this day I have frozen water in large plastic containers to keep a full freezer. If anyone reading this has any idea why a full freezer is better. Please let me know what you know. And does that also go for the refrigerated part, too?

Moving on to the information about how long the food will last.

• A full freezer maintains temperature for about 48 hours after shut off. Keep door closed.
• The bottom of fridge is the coolest part of the fridge. Makes sense to move the food down.
• Keep the door closed and the food will stay cold for approximately 4 hours.
• According to the FDA, food that remains below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is safe to eat or be refrozen.
• Those large plastic containers that I mentioned earlier will come in handy if you have to use a cooler. You can pick the size of container that works best for you but remember the larger the ice chunk is, the longer it will take to melt. Once it melts you have drinking water.

The above tip will serve you well when packing a cooler for a camping trip or a long day at the beach. And I thought of a few more tips that are sure to come in handy.

• A dime size amount of dish soap can be used in the place of shampoo or even body wash.
• Tennis shoes will dry by morning if you put wadded up newspaper in them.
• Regular under arm deodorant rubbed on a mosquito bite will bring instant itch relief.

I'm going to ask for your help again. There's got to be more tips for camping or a day by the water that you can share. Please leave them in a comment. It would be very much appreciated.

6 Assorted Tips You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered if there was a better way to pose for a picture to be more attractive, this includes selfies. I'm not talking about taking your clothes off or sticking your butt out. ha ha ha. You know you have seen it. I am talking about a head shot. Tilt your head to the right and slightly up. Remember this is a subtle move. You can take it too far if you are not careful.

Do you know someone that can't tell a story without using their hands? This may not be a bad thing. Evidence shows hand gestures are a sign that someone is telling the truth. You might want to think twice about those story tellers not making any hand gestures because more than likely they are lying.

Looking to buy a car? You want the best deal you can get. Is there one time better than another to get a better deal? Experts agree the best deals will be found at the end of the month, for various reasons.

This is a great idea for anyone going to the zoo. Who doesn't enjoy going to the zoo? Maybe somebody that has had a bad experience with one of the animals. Think about the animals and how they feel when all these people come to see them. They get scared. What can you do to help this situation? Wear the same colors as the zoo workers to help the animals not be so afraid.

Can you believe that a twenty to thirty minute nap during the day equals ten hours of alertness. Say what? I'm not sure about this one myself. I have never been a napper but maybe I should give it a try.

Do those taxi drivers have a reason to ask, "are you from around here?" Yes they do. They want to find out if you are familiar with the area because this will let them know the most profitable route to take to your destination.

Share a tip or a link or an idea in a comment. Love to hear from ya!