My House and Home Blog
Wish to have a Cleaner Work Area?
Posted by Shue in Cleaning tips on 04 20th, 2009
When I have a lot of cooking to do, cutting and chopping are the two things that figure on top of the list. They are part of the basic preparation for what I have to cook next, and it can be rather messy at times.
One idea struck me the other day. I took lots of aluminum foil and spread it on my work area in the kitchen. Then after I was done with my cooking, I simply removed the foil to find the same clean platform as it was before cooking!
I use this hint before every party…will you?
read comments (0)Fed Up of All The Cleaning?
Posted by Shue in Cleaning tips on 04 19th, 2009
Sometimes I feel that weekends are just meant for cleaning and cooking. You slog through the week and wait for the weekend, and this is what you end up doing!
One way to be relieved is order a meal or go out to have one. But if you wish to take a break from cleaning dishes at home, here is one solution that works. Simply use disposable dishes, spoons and bowls once a week and enjoy the meal you cooked! I have started implementing this and finally found some quality time for family and friends.
Are you the next in line?
Fix It Now
Posted by Shue in Tips on 04 18th, 2009
I have the experience, and I am sure you too must have gone through the same, that whenever we are in dire need of an electrician or a plumber they are too busy for a visit and expensive too.
So I decided to buy a set of screw-drivers and some plumbing tools for my house. I must say that they are proving to be very useful for trivial repairs at home. I am happy with this investment as it saves my time and gives me the satisfaction of getting a job done fast. If something major comes up we can always hire the professionals, isn’t it?
Get Rid Of Unwanted Things
Posted by Shue in Cleaning tips on 04 17th, 2009I understand that the old vase that your best friend gifted you on your wedding means a lot to you. There are so many such items in our house that hold emotional value for us as we have fond memories about the person who gifted them to us.
But is it worthwhile to latch on to something that does not work or simply has worn out over the years?
We need to be practical sometimes and remove all such things during cleaning up. What are really important are the memories and getting rid of some thing does not mean you don’t love that person anymore.
Clean glass ware with ease
Posted by Shue in Cleaning tips on 04 16th, 2009
Every time I host a party at home, I am tensed. Oh no, I am not worried about how the party will go, but I am worried whether my house-help will clean the glass dishes WITHOUT breaking them!
I found a solution for this. Of course, I use the dishwasher. Besides that, it helps if you place a thick napkin in the bottom of your sink. This prevents any accidental breakage while rinsing the glass dishes. Now I don’t bother about my expensive dinner set being in my maid’s hands any more!
What do you do in such cases? Let me know.
Are You Using That Fireplace?
Posted by Shue in Tips on 04 15th, 2009
Fireplace is one part of our house that gathers the maximum attention. I remember that when I was a child, we always had a family reunion near the fireplace every weekend.
But now things have changed and fireplaces are not used as much as before. You can beautify the place by placing dried flowers and leaves or plastic flowers so that the fireplace does not look empty. This way your home will have a focal point and it will be helpful in hosting a party too!
A home with a fireplace appears warmer as you enter it, so don’t ignore the fireplace when you are not using it!
How to Shop Right
Posted by Shue in shopping on 04 14th, 2009
I must admit that I love shopping. And when it is for special occasions like a birthday or an anniversary, it is more exciting too. Read on for knowing how you can shop to your heart’s content without making a hole in your pocket.
I make it a point to go shopping at discount sales and stock clearance sales before Christmas Eve or New Year’s. The prices are low and fit your budget. If you know what you wish to buy for the upcoming birthday or anything else you can choose easily from the available choices.
Who knows, you might end up getting a great deal with such shopping!
Make the Best of Post-It Notes
Posted by Shue in Tips on 04 13th, 2009
Most of us use Post-it notes at work since a long time. I found out that these sticker notes are very useful at home too.
The other day I left a message for my house-cleaning help using this Post-It note, since she does not own a cell phone. I also use them for making to-do lists and shopping lists. My kid has discovered one more use- she makes a picture directly on the note so that I can paste it on the fridge or anywhere!
So be creative and tell me how you plan to use the Post-It notes at home!
Laundry Tricks
Posted by Shue in Tips on 04 12th, 2009
Today I am going to tell you some tricks for doing laundry faster. You will wonder what to do with that extra time on hand!
Firstly, separate the colored clothes from whites. If you have a baby, his or her clothes need to be washed separately than ours to avoid infection. In case of heavily soiled clothes such as the t-shirt your kid wore to the soccer game, it is better to soak them for a while before actually putting them into the washing machine. They come out cleaner as the dirt is loosened up.
Any more tricks that you know?
Do you have a leaking tap?
Posted by Shue in Bathroom, Kitchen on 04 11th, 2009
I have some friends who just don’t bother about a leaking tap or a juicer that has stopped working in their house. How can they be at peace when something in their house is NOT working??
Whenever I have any such problem, I see to it that the electronic appliance or anything that needs attention is repaired. Even if you don’t need certain things in your routine chores, it is important that they are in working condition. This way you are saved from trouble later on when you actually wish to use it.
What do you think- am I right?
