How to Remove nick & dents from wooden furniture.

I learned this simple trick watching my Grams as a little girl. Being a Mom, and wear and tear kids create, this has come in handy again and again.

   

Like magic, watch as a single walnut covers up the small dings and scrapes in your wooden furniture. It won't produce a miracle here, but with a project this easy it is definitely worth a shot.

Repurposed Bottle

Original purpose:
Dip for kids french fries.

Repurpose a ketchup bottle in to a pancake batter dispenser this Pancake Day.

Aha! use:
Portioning pancake batter with precision―and without the usual mess of transferring batter from the bowl. Squeeze out baby-size or plate-size rounds, or add Mickey Mouse ears to a batch of silver dollars.

Reward:
Restaurant-worthy flapjacks.

RealSimple, via.

Freezer Labels

Unlabeled plastic bags and their mysterious contents are bound to get the cold shoulder in the freezer. With these convenient, easy-to-read labels, you'll never wonder which batch of stock to use first or if those frozen peaches are still in their prime. Fill out these tags, and stick them on everything you freeze, fresh produce or prepackaged foods.

PLASTIC WRAP - DO'S & DON'T

Do you use plastic wrap? Or are you like me that you only buy the stuff if you really think you might need it for a certain project?

Well I'm here to tell you a friend of mine was over and I had an old box of the Press & Seal kind... I was going on about how much I hate the stuff and then she said... Did you know that you can FREEZE it and it makes it easier to use. So I tried in and voila she was right ... makes a night and day difference and then there's a lot to be said about how great this stuff really is.

Tho I must note, NEVER ever microwave plastic wrap! It drips poisonous chemicals into your foods, that has been linked to low sperm count in men and breast cancer in women! This goes for plastic containers too, always heat things in the microwave in glass! Also never boil plastic bags.

I had a great tip from my sister on making ziploc omelets - as great as this worked and as easy as it was to make for a large group at one time (and even fun for the kids to do) NEVER boil plastic bags, because they aren't developed to be heated beyond a certain temperature and again leak hazardous poisions into food!

Aromatherapy Room Mist Air Freshener

This recipe creates and inexpensive AIR FRESHNER or LINEN SPRAY. It's easy to create, and you can use your favorite scent. I like Jasmine, rose, & Ylang Ylang. Reminds me of vacation!

•1 tsp. essential oil 

(a good rule of thumb 5, 10, 20 or 25 drops). 25 drops should be the most that you add.

•1/4 cup unflavored vodka (cheapest bottle)

•3 1/2 cups filtered water

Use an empty spray bottle or rinse out an old bottle with hot water. In a small bowl, mix essential oil and vodka together. The alcohol works as an emulsifier, allowing the oil and water to mix evenly. Pour the essential oil & vodka mix into the spray bottle, add the 3 1/2 cups filtered water, and shake.

•Put a few drops of lavender into ironing water to make clothes smell great. Great for sheets, sleepy time!

NOTE

Typically after it sits for 1day it will become stronger. So start with less drops of essential oil. You can always add more.

For an alcohol-free mixture omit the vodka, but make sure to shake rigorously before spraying, since the oil and water will separate. Make sure to shake well before each use. Also careful not to get on furniture or food.

Granite Counter Cleaner - Eco Friendly & Cheaper

1. Take a spray bottle
2. Fill it about 1/8th full with rubbing alcohol
3. Add a drop of Dawn dishwashing soap
4. A few drops of scented oil (optional, but makes it smell so good)

Fill the rest of the way with water, shake together, and you're good to go!
It makes your granite (or any countertop) shine and feel so smooth at a fraction of the price.
Works great on appliances as well.

MAKE MY DAY BROWNIES

Here's "The Ultimate" brownie recipe, OR as I like to call them MAKE MY DAY BROWNIES. I have to say this is one of the easiest and hands down "fudgiest" brownie recipes you'll ever make.



Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Baking time: 33-38 minutes Yields: 12 brownies

3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp table salt
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup very coarsely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease an 8-inch square pyrex baking dish or metal baking pan.

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Take the pan off the heat, then stir in the cocoa powder until smooth. Add in the sugar and salt. Stir in the eggs and vanilla until just blended. Sprinkle in the flour and gently combine using a rubber spatula, then fold in the chopped chocolate.

Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread evenly. Place the pan into the oven and bake it for 33-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in comes out clean. Make sure not to overbake so the brownies can stay a fudgy consistency. Let cool and slice. ENJOY!

Serving idea: Drizzl.e the plate with chocolate, use a circle biscuit cutter to cut out brownie, put on the plate, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a few slices of strawberries.

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TESTING

Hot Cocoa Bath

Special spa like moment at home in the midst of winter.


Have a child that got good grades, a special award, or maybe feeling a little under the weather, & you just want to cheer them up? Nothing says love like Chocolate!


Treat you or your loved one to a little special time...  Milk baths are classic beauty basics. 


They are effective because the lactic acid in milk helps soften and soothe the skin. Chocolate milk is equally effective; combined with the power of honey, this yummy bath refreshes the skin. 

  2 cups chocolate milk
  1 tablespoon honey
  2 tablespoons mild liquid soap

Stir together all ingredients.   Pour under the running water as you fill your tub. 

Bathe and relax for 15 to 20 minutes.

Make your loved one feel extra special & serve a cup of hot cocoa to sip while bathing. This is especially relaxing in the evening before going to bed.