Bleach , Say good-bye to bacteria

                                              When i was out the other day I found a great little book about bleach. It contains all kinds of neat thing you can do with bleach. Here are some of the things I've tried and it really works!

Around the Kitchen:

Garlic and onion odors on your counter tops respond to a solution of 1 tablespoon Bleach and 1 cup of water. Wash the surface, the let set for 5 minutes. Rinse well.

Banish stains on wooden cutting boards and butcher block counter tops with bleach. Soak a white dishcloth, lay over the spots then wait 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp dishcloth.

Sinks and Drains:

Remove odors from your garbage disposal by pouring bleach down the drain. Then run hot water for 2 minutes.

Porcelain sinks, use a spray bottle with bleach spray the stained area and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse clean.


Battling the Bathroom:

Grout grime, Combine the Following in a bucket. 2 cups Bleach, 3 cups Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol, 1/2 cup Pine sol cleaner, and 1 quart water, Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray surface and wipe clean.

Clean your Toilet, pour 1/4 cup of bleach into the bowl let set for awhile then flush all grime and stains will be gone.

Floors:

Clean and deodorize smelly mops by using a bucket filled with water and 3/4 cups bleach.

Cleaning your carpet, you can use your carpet cleaner filled with hot water and 1/2 cup bleach to remove stains and take out pet smell. ( Only use on light colored carpets such as white , tan, so on).

MAKING YOUR OWN SALTS,SEASONINGS AND SPICES

NO SALT, SALT
A simple mixture packed with alot of flavor!

5tsp. onion powder
1tbsp. garlic powder
1tbsp. dry mustard
1tbsp. paprika
1tsp. powdered thyme
1/2 white pepper
1/2 finely ground celery seed ( optional)

Mix all ingredients together and pour into an air tight container. Store in a cool dry place. Use instead of salt.
Yields about 1/4cup

SALT SUBSTITUTE
A quickly made recipe using simple ingredients most people have on their pantry shelves.

4tsp onion powder
4tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp white pepper

Mix all ingredients and pour into container. Use in place of salt.
Yields, about 1/4 cup

ITALIAN SEASONING
Never run out again!

2tbsp. dried basil
2tbsp dried Marjoram
2tbsp. Oregano
1 1/2 tsp. ground sage

Combine all ingredients and store in container.
Yields about 1/4 cup

POULTRY SEASONING
This can also be used in your homemade stuffing...

2tbsp. Lemon pepper or black pepper
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 tbsp. Dried parsley (crushed)
4tbsp. Sage
4tbsp. Thyme
2tbsp. Ground Marjoram
2tbsp. Rosemary
2tbsp. Savory

Blend all ingredients together. Store in air tight container.
Yields, 1 1/4 cup.

Getting Ready For Summer

SUMMER TIME IS COMING!!!!

Well it's that time of the year, spring and summer is in the air. I've been very busy getting things together. Planting my Container Garden , putting patio furniture together and set up.

I've also done a couple of projects. The first one is a patio fountain & the second one is a oil Lamp for my outdoor table. Here are some photo's of what I've been up to the last few days.

My new patio furniture. Cost $64.00 at Freds, Compared to Walmart $189.00 just for the Table and 2 chairs. I got a great deal on this set. Flower and Soil was $22.64.



Fountain cost $35.99, I got the Pot at walmart for $26.00 and the water pump from Ebay for $9.99.

Oil lamp for the table. I took an old bottle and got the Flint from ebay. I used craft paint for glass. then painted a big star and dots in Red, White, Blue. Cost $6.99

Total Cost of everything $129.62, I got way more for my buck!

Pamper Your Pets

Loving your Pets is a fulltime Job but sooo worth it

I have been wanting to post about pampering yours pets for awhile now. I've done alot of research about this and found some great thing that you can do for your pets.
As we all know our pets are like our children. My husband and I only give the best to our pets. They are our babies and we love them very much but they do cost money, So I have found some great ways that you can still give them the best and save money at the same time.

Treats: Dogs

Popsicle Treats

Take your Dogs flavor snack, one Ice Tray, and Water.
fill the ice tray with water drop the treat in it and freeze. These are perfect on those hot days and the dogs just love them.
It's is also alot of fun watching them chase it around to lick the treat out of it. It's play time and snack time !!!

Treats: Cats

Kitty Tuna Treats

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 oz plain yogurt
7 oz con of tuna fish ( with water)
1 to 2 slices of whole wheat bread ( crumbled)

put broth into small bowl. Add bread crumbs and yogurt , stir until all liquid is absorbed. Drain water  from water from tuna. then add tuna to mixture stir until smooth. If too soft add more bread. Put in a sealed container and refrigerator for a few hours until firm. Cut into squares .
My Cats love these treats and they are very healthy for them.



Minor First Aid For Your Pets: Dogs and Cats

Ear Mites
50/50 blend of apple cider vinegar and water
oil from a Vitamin E capsule

Wipe for pets ears with the vinegar/water mixer. this will repel the ear mites. then rub oil from capsule in your pets ear this will promote healing of any sores or scratches.


Yeast Infection In The Ears
Human Vaginal yeast infection cream
Cotton swabs

You can get this from your Vet. but it can be costly. mt Vet. told me you buy reg. yeast infection cream and put a small amount onto a cotton swab, rub into your pets ear. this will clear it up in no time.


Teeth Care: Dogs and Cats

Pet Toothpaste
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. milk of magnesia

You have to make this recipe up every time you use it but with only 2 ingredients it cheap to make and works great.

Sadie will be 7 years old in may 2012...

Festiss will be 2 years old November 2012...

Lil Piss just turn 2 years this march 2012...

Crocket is 7 months old and a handful..

Here are our pampered Pets!!! We love them so......

Home made Household Cleaning Recipes....

I have tried alot of store brand cleaning items that can be very expensive. Of course I always use my coupons to purchase them and sometimes I even get them for free.

But do they work as good as they say they do. Well some do and some don't.

Oven cleaners for example I haven't found an oven cleaner yet that works as good as this homemade recipe does.

OVEN CLEANER
2 Cup warm water
1/2 cup Baking soda
2 tbsp. Liquid Detergent( dish soap)
2tbsp. Borax
1 16-ounce spray bottle

Pour soap, Baking soda, Borax, and warm water into spray bottle, Shake until everything is dissolved. Spray stove top and oven . Let sit for 30 minutes. Dip scrub pad in Baking soda and scrub surface then wipe clean with damp Rag.


SCOURING POWDER
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Borax
1 Cup Salt
1 Clean 32-ounce plastic container with cover

Combine all ingredients in the container and mix well. Close the container tightly to store.
To clean a stained surface, sprinkle some of the powder onto a damp sponge or directly onto surface to be cleaned. Scour,rinse and dry.

These are my favorite Cleaners for my oven and counter tops. They work so much better then the store brands.

SPRING/ EASTER WREATH

This was really fun to make and it didn't cost much at all to do. I have always made my wreaths for our front door. It is cheaper and I feel mine have alot more on them then the ones they sale in stores
Here is photo's of the process of making my Spring wreath.

 

Spring Cleaning, It's Getting To Be That Time Again

                                                           It's getting to be that time of the year, When the tree's starting blooming and the birds are singing. But your home has been sleeping  through the winter months just like a bear in a cave. Well ladies it's time to wake up and bring life back to it. Yes! that means SPRING CLEANING time...

First make a to do list, List items that need to be done by Rooms, (Kitchen, Livingroom,etc....)

I am listing all the things you will need to help you with your Cleaning:

Cleaning Products to have on hand:
All purpose Cleaner ( Recipe is listed on my blog)
Floor cleaner
Bathroom Cleaner( Recipe is listed on my blog)
Furniture Polish
Cleaning Pads
Scouring powders( Baking soda & Salt mix together works great)
Window Cleaner( Recipe is on my Blog)
Dishwashing Soap
Rug or Carpet Cleaner
Upholstery Cleaner
Bleach
Vinegar
ammonia
Baking Soda
Home Made Febreeze / store brand


Cleaning Tools to have on hand:
Rubber gloves
Vacuum Cleaner with attachments
Dust Cloth
Feather duster/ or swiffer duster
Paper towels
Bucket
Rags
Broom & dust pan
Mop
Floor polisher 0r shampoo carpet cleaner
Storage Containers for winter items

One thing to remember do not wear yourself out, This is a task that should be for the whole family.
Of course you leave alone or if your husband is away like mine, Your pretty much on your own. So start with your to do list and pace yourself it is not something that has to be done in one day. I usually pick a weekend to do everything. I always do my everyday cleaning first so I don't have to worry about it when I'm spring cleaning.
Here's my spring cleaning list

Kitchen
1. wipe out cabinets
2. put new paper down for shelf liners
3. clean cabinet doors
4. Clean fridge Shelves & disinfect Ref.
5. Go thru the Junk drawers
6. Clean oven
7. Bleach sinks and drains
8. sweep floors ( behind stove and Ref.
9. Mop & shine floors
10. disinfect counters, table, and chairs.
11. Clean and disinfect all small appliances
12. Clean Windows
13. wipe down walls

Living Room:
1. Remove slip covers and wash
2. vacuum furiture
3. Dust & wipe down everything ( photo frames, whatknots, etc.)
4. Vacuum Carpet / sweep carpet to loosen dirt
5. Shampoo Carpet
6. Clean Windows
7. wipe down walls
8. organize items
9. wash curtains/ blinds

Bedrooms 1 & 2:
1. Flip mattresses
2. Clean mattresses with shampoo cleaner
3. spray with disinfect
4. Clean Closets ( put away winter clothes, give away item you don't need)
5. organize closet
6. Clean & disinfect pillows
7. Clean carpet
8. vacuum floors
9. place new dryer sheets in drawers
10. put fresh sheets on bed & comforter ( I do this once a week anyway.)
11. wipe down walls

Bathroom:
1. Clean & disinfect ( tub, sink, toliet,etc)
2. wash rugs
3. disinfect counter tops
4. sweep & mop floor
5. wipe down walls

Laundry Room:
1. Clean & disinfect Floors
2. Clean & disinfect Litter box
3. wipe and disinfect inside of Dryer
4. Clean out lint filter with brush
5. Clean & disinfect washer ( 1 cup bleach run thru cycle, then repeat with vinegar)
6. Clean & dust Shelves
7. Clean out Deep freezer
8. wipe down wals

Misc:
1. Clean & disinfect all trash cans
2. clean & disinfect all candy dishes or other containers
3. wipe down all base boards & molding
4. Clean TV screens
5. Wash all blinds
6. Clean off Carport
7. Get pots ready for spring planting( Clean all my pots and disinfect let air dry)

Man I have alot to do. I hope this list helps you. Happy Spring Cleaning Everyone!!!!!

Household recipes that are a blast!!

I purchased a book called " Homemade products with Brand Name Quality"written by Charlotte Carollo . This book is awesome to have it contents recipes, household cleaning product , homemade soaps and much more. If you have a chance to pick it up I say go for it! Here are some of the recipes that are in this amazing book

Dishwasher Detergent
You won't have to pay such high prices for those tablets. This works so much better....

2tbsp. Baking soda
2tbsp Borax
Mix the ingredients together and place in the dishwasher.

Stain Remover

1qt. water
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tbsp. Laundry detergent with no bleach ( I use my homemade soap)
1/4 cup household ammonia

In a well ventilated room, mix the first 3 ingredients together. Then slowly add ammonia. ( so there is no foam affect). Store in a spray bottle. Spot treat stains, working in with a clean cloth. Spray again and soak over night.

Disinfecting Cleaners
Makes a great disinfectant especially for toilets and showers.

1 cup rubbing alcohol
1 cup ammonia
1 spray bottle

Mix together , can be sprayed on any surface. ( you can also add 10 to 15 drops of essential oils to really make it smell good.)

Microwave Cleaner

1 cup water
1 tsp. liquid wash soap
1 tsp. vinegar

Place all ingredients in a microwave dish. Set temperature on high for two minutes so water will reach boiling point. Let stand for 2 minutes so steam will loosen food splatter. wipe away with damp cloth.

Scouring powder

 1/4 cup Borax
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1/4 cup of Table Salt

Blend all ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Busy Days and Nights

I've been so busy that even at night when I'm trying to sleep my mind is still going. I need Rest!. But I'll rest when I'm Dead...
I've been so busy with my house projects, my business and Crafts. That I don't have time for anything else.
I rearranged my living room. You will see in the photo's I love the lived in look. I don't want anything in my house that I'm to scared to sit on and I love to old look anything primitive or country. John and I both have alot of things that belong to family that have passed on and this is away for us to keep their memories alive.
Here is some of what I've done so far.

.

Scrapbooking I JUST LOVE IT!

As you know their thousands of us Scrapbooker's out there. We all love when a scrapbook page turn into something memoriable. The only thing I dislike about it is they go into a book and half the time I forget about them. So I did to scrapbook project and I am displaying them in my living room.
Here are the two projects I did Just last night.

This one is from photos that John took in Afghanstian. The other things is stuff he brought home on R&R

The photo were taken in January when John was home on R&R.. I used scrapbook paper, and stickers.

Cute little project I enjoyed



I got this plain little bookcase at fred's for 16.99
and the baskets are from Dollor General, They were on clearence,  Lg. Reg$8.00 I got it for $4.00 , Med. Reg $7.00
I got it for $3.00, Small Reg.$5.00 I got it for $2.50, Ex-small Reg$3.00 I got it for $1.25 .
Total: $26.74. Please excuse this photo my cat knock a cardle off and it hit the wall like 5 seconds earlier.



I already had what i needed for everything else. All you need for your label is scrapbook paper,
paint pen, Chalk board paper or any color of paper you would like and ribbonand craft paint
first I painted around the edges of the stand, just to give it a little color. Second, I cut out my pieces of chalkboard paper,
or other paper. then I use spray adhesive to stick the tags to the cloth, last step write what you like on them and paste with a small bow on the side.....

Somethings I've been Doing in my Home

I have been very busy reorganizing things in my home, also I've updating my home decor. I have been so busy I have gotten to eat "what I was thinking I really don't know" the job is bigger then I thought it would be. The first thing I started with was my photo frames



Here want the frames  look like before:

The before photo



I wanted to do something different, So I took Country tan Craft paint and Creamed color white Craft paint
I first painted the tan on them , then took a Hair dryer and dried the paint,
I then took the cream paint and lightly passed strokes all over them. Repeat the step with the hair dryer. Get the paint really warm and you will SO it start to crack. This will give it the aged look.

The finished project

It didn't take long thanks to my trusty Hair Dryer. Woo Ho!!!

Chart Projects

Here are some cute charts you can do yourself.
All you need is scrapbook paper, scrapbook stickers
Markers, and laminating sheets/ or photo frame and
Dry erase marker.

Ex. 1, my to do list

Ex.2, Weekly menu,

Ex.3, to do list, in photo frame

MY TO DO LIST PROJECT

This is the second project I did yesterday, It was alot of fun,
Home made TO DO LIST.

Take any size box and cut the size you like. I used a box because it's thicker for the use pins and thumb tacks

I used fabric I already had and used spray glue to paste it to the card board
then added a piece of scrapbook paper 8x11. Then I cut a piece of Chalkboard paper smaller so the border would show. I had some cream colored ribbon that i cut and glue around the chalk board

Then I stenciled out the pattern I wanted for my sign. I used a gel fine tip pen.
on scrapbook paper with card board behind it to make it stand out.

Then I took ribbon and made a bow and glue it to my board then tied it around my chalk.
This project only took about 30 minutes
cost: $0.00 ( I had everything I needed.)

Busy day project Check it out.



I've been very busy the last few days working on 3 projects. I'm listing photos of one of them and directions on the process. I really liked how it turned out I hope you do to.

This is a book case my dad built , it was in their shed for along time
The weather had age it and I told dad that I wanted it.
It set out on my car port for 3 months and today I decided it was time to do some
with it. I brought inside and cleaned it the best I could.

Supplies need : Brown Craft paint $.54 , White Gloss Enamel paint $5.00, Roller , Brush
paint pan and gloves ( kit) $4.00 , Book case Free, Total price $9.54.
What a deal for home decor/ storage

I took my brown craft paint and put 7 teaspoons full in the enamel paint.
Do not stir to much because you want some of the brown to show went your painting it ,
this will give it and old weathered look.

Once I was done painting you can see the Brown streaks in the paint
that gives it the aged look I wanted .

This is my finished project.

These are some plastic plain  canisters I use for my Flour , sugar ,tea, etc.

I took tea stained gift tags I had and used my print to do simple labels for them.

They were really fun to do.

I got these baskets at Dollar General price for a large size was $4.00, Medium $3.00 and Small was $2.00
Total cost $14.00. It was a great deal compared to other stores. Then I hand stenciled my labels
Also I used a simple Black gel pen to outline them.

I added some collectibles I had already
The coffees pots belong to my husband Aunt Nellie. And
the bottles I picked up at an Antique store,


The total cost of this project was $23.54.
It's a great and cheap way to dress up old home decor. This piece has now become not
just a bookcase but a useful piece in my kitchen. 



Going in different Directions

Pie Cabinet I restored it is over 100 yrs old.
Sanded and patched the wood. replaced
screen and shelves. This is one of favorite pieces.
An one of favorite projects

I have decided I'm taking this blog to the next level, I am starting my own home based business and I will be posting alot of resources of where I'll be selling items. I will also be listing crafts on here that you can purchase from me real soon I'm just getting started so please be patient with me. If anyone has some ideas for my business please let me know all comments will be answered. This is want I enjoy doing and I feel I have a real knack for it .
I will also be posting photos tomorrow of my latest projects, I love them and I know you will to.
I'm going to be adding Crafts, Organizing , more ways to save, Restoring Furniture, and much much more. Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my blog without you this would not be possible.

Yummy Recipes.....

APPLE BROWN BETTY

4 cups bread crumbs                           4- 5 cups baking apples   ( granny Smith)
                                                                      Peeled, Cored, and sliced
1 cup brown sugar                                1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt                                              3 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup water                                          4 tbsp. butter

Directions:
1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 11x9 baking dish, ( or a 9" pie pan will work also)
3. Sprinkle approximately 1/3 of the bread crumb over the bottom of the pan.
4. Place 1/2 of the apples over bread crumbs.
5. Mix together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt, put 1/2 of sugar mixture over the apples.
6. Add another 1/3 bread crumbs and the rest of the apples.
7. Sprinkle with the remainder of sugar of the sugar.
8. Top with the final bread crumbs.
9. Sprinkle lemon juice and water over the top of dish.
10. Cut the butter into smell pieces and spread over top.
11. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 minutes.
12. Remove cover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until top is brown and juice is bubbly.

SERVE HOT OR COLD. GOOD WITH ICE OR WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP



Sweet Potato Pie
1 stick of Butter                           2 cups cooked Sweet potatoes
2 cups sugar                                1 sm can Evaporated Milk
1 tsp. Vanllia                               3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Directions:
Mix potatoes, sugar, and butter. Add other ingredients and mix well. Pour into unbaked pie shell. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

You can also add Marshmallows on top and place back in oven for a couple of minute's. That's my Fav.