These tips aren't simply for the lovely 1950s era housewife!
Although she's stinkin' cute. I wish I looked half as good as she does after being up to my elbows in bleach and underwear.
They're for the woman-on-the-go! For Super-Mom! ...Or how about the little newlywed wife like myself! They're for the awesome husband that helps around the house! They're for your little chocolate-covered-chinned children who are forced to do Saturday morning chores!
These are time-tried tips and suggestions passed on from mother to daughter, from generation to generation. Many I have learned through trial and error, many I have learned from my mother, many are tidbits I have simply found in random places along the way.
Stop back from time to time and see what little things you can do to make your house a home!
From my home to yours.
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Because the Kitchen is a Gathering Place
- Hate the smudges you get on your stainless steel appliances? Have you tried every cleaning product possible, but are still left with streaks?!?! Sigh, I once was there myself, and understand your pain, until I had heard that baby oil does the trick! It's so easy! Place some baby oil on a old rag or paper towel, wipe down your appliances and voila! Smudge-be-gone!
- Want to freshen up your stinky garbage disposal? Save some already used lemons, limes, or oranges. Run them through your garbage disposal and have it smelling better than new in no time!
- Oh no! Your bread/rolls/baguettes have gone stale! How frustrating. I have been there more times than you can imagine, especially with the homemade stuff that tends to have less of a shelf life. No worries. All is not lost! Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees, wrap your bread/roll/baguette with a slightly wet paper towel, and place into the oven on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes. They will be pretty darn close to new!
- Always maintain a stocked pantry. If you are ever in a pinch for a meal, with a stocked pantry, you will always be able to pull a meal together! Things to make sure you always have on hand (this has been abbreviated to encompass what I have found to be necessities, each person's list may vary!): baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, yeast, flour, salt/pepper, sugar/confectioner’s sugar, brown sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, herbs, (there are many, but most importantly, cinnamon, nutmeg, basil, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, dry mustard, thyme, cumin, and dill), bouillon cubes, cream of tartar, chocolate chips, rice, pasta, canned tomatoes (you can make things work with any kind of canned tomato, but, people may swear by specific things!), peanut butter/jelly, canned tuna, oatmeal, canned soups and beans, vegetable/olive oils, red or white wine vinegars, the usual condiments, Worcestershire sauce, milk, butter, eggs. Of course there are the obvious things to pick up weekly such as meats/poultry, vegetables, fruit, and the like. But the listed items, you always want to make sure you have on hand! Yes, it’s an overwhelming list, but I have learned from my mother, who learned from her mother, to always keep a stocked pantry.
- Frozen vegetables are a wonderful, cost-effective alternative to fresh vegetables. Most side dishes require steamed vegetables. If you use frozen items, in many cases you will not be able to tell the difference. Unfortunately, this does not apply to salads. Fresh greens, tomatoes, etc. needed for a salad should be fresh. These items are frozen at their peak, so they are always coming out great!
- Keep your dish washing items fresh by running them through the dishwasher with your dishes. It will help get more mileage out of your sponges!
Glistening Bathrooms
- Just like stainless steel appliances, remove water stains from faucets using baby oil!
- Once a week, after you finish showering, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to hot water and wipe down your tub and tile to prevent any unwanted limestone or other mildew buildups on your tub and tile.
- Baking soda is one of the best cleaners you can get your hands on, really! It will make your bathtub and sink sparkly clean!
Make Comforting Bedrooms
-Although it is tough, try your best to keep a tidy bedroom. Your bedroom is your respite! Your haven! There is nothing more unsatisfying / stressful than going to bed to find your room in shambles! Spare a few moments in the morning to put all items back in their proper place before you go to work, or head onto your busy day, that way you will sigh in relief when you come back to your room, to find it clean and not needing anymore attention.
Survive the Laundry and Cleaning
-Get something on your dress? Your new cardigan? Your favorite blouse? ..And what's worse, you're stuck behind your desk, getting groceries, watching a soccer game, while having no Tide to-go sticks?! Give the stain a shock by rubbing an ice cube on it! If you have access to a bathroom, go and place some white soap and water, lather the area a bit and rinse. After it dries, finish off by rubbing it with another ice cube! The stain will lighten to a point where you can get through your day and worry about that stain when you get home! Trust me, I did this one today, got the tip from a lady at work!
- Blood stains?! Yikes. If on your clothes: blot with hydrogen peroxide before washing. On your carpet?: Rinse repeatedly with cold water. It must, must, must be cold. Works like a charm!
- This tip comes from my sister, who is a school teacher!: Crayon markings on most tables and walls are easily removed with shaving cream! Rub shaving cream on the lovely graffiti and gently scrub and wipe off!
Showing Off the Exterior of Your Home!
- Tired of how the outside of your house looks? Try putting a new coat of paint on your front door! You'd be surprised what a coat of paint can do! It's an inexpensive way to doll up your house! Even try a new and fun wreath to go with the fresh coat of paint! Try to have fun and make your door pop!
-Think hanging plants are for the old cat lady down the street? No way! Liven up your front porch with some beautiful trailing fuchsia! Or any plant for that matter (oo.. I'm thinking vinca)! I've got some great geraniums hanging with some Purple Robe accompanying it! It cozies up the outside of your home in no time! Just make sure to water your plant often, as it's more likely to dry out when it's suspended!
Miscellaneous Tips too Good to Neglect
- Want a cute apron? Check out this old post on a purchase I made on the cutest black and white polka dot apron this side of the Mississippi!
- Ladies: Lipstick is not just for your old Great-Aunt Mildred. Give it a shot! Throw away that Chapstick you rely upon and solely wear. You would be surprised how well it completes your make up!
- Because this happens to me too often: Got water on/in your cell phone? Never fear! You can do one of two things. Shut your phone off and remove the battery. Either place your phone in a bowl with uncooked rice overnight OR place into a Tupperware container with 2 silica packets sealed overnight (yes, finally a reason to keep those annoying packets that come in your purse and shoes). Both work like a charm. Promise.
- Don't quite have time to wash your hair and it's starting to seem a little on the greasy side? No worries. Place some baby powder on your fingers and run it through the part in your hair. Important note: this works best on people with lighter hair. With my dark hair, I've done it in a MASSIVE pinch, but it does lighten your hair a bit! Just to warn you! But it's too great of a tip not to share and one that I picked up in college.
- Gents: Want to impress your love interest? Or just be an upstanding citizen? Give chivalry a try! You'd be surprised at how well it not only is perceived, but makes you feel!
- Ladies: Worried you'll sweat off your beautiful makeup? Just spray some hair spray on your face before you go! Sounds nutty? Think again! My mother started spraying hairspray over makeup when I was a ballerina. I swear by it and do it before going to weddings and other formal events. I even did it on my wedding day! Also, petroleum jelly serves as a wonderful makeup remover at the end of the night!
Got good tips you've picked up along the way? Shoot me an email and share the love!
