Frugal Tip ~ Homemade Alternative to Jet Dry

   Looking for an inexpensive alternative to Jet Dry?  Try your average white vinegar as a rinse aid in your dishwasher.  All you need to do is place a cup of white vinegar into the soap dispenser and run a normal cycle.  All those issues that Jet Dry fixes will be gone.  Even with the amount of energy and water you use to run a normal cycle, you’re still saving money.

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Tips for Keeping Your Jeans from Fading

What do you do to keep your jeans from fading?  Back in the ‘80s, it was the style to have faded jeans but today, it’s all about the dark jeans.  I’ve been told the following help with the situation:

1. NEVER wash your jeans.  Have you heard that?  I’m sorry but I just wouldn’t be able to do it.  I would always be paranoid that I smelled.  With respect to not washing, I heard people use Febreeze to freshen up the jeans.
2. Wash jeans inside out in cold.  This is what I do.  I think it helps but I don’t think it solves the problem, just prolongs the fading a bit.
3. Dry cleaning is another solution.  I’m not too keen on having all those chemicals used all the time on my clothes and more importantly, that can become very costly.
4. Another thing that I do to help is to hang my jeans to dry.  Never, never put them in the dryer.  It is said that you’re almost guaranteed to have your jeans fade a shade when putting them into the dryer.
5. An old home ready is to put vinegar in your washing machine with the jeans and wash on delicate with detergent designed to be used with dark clothes.  This is my plan to try next.
6. A wives tail I’ve heard is putting salt in the washing machine with your load of jeans. I’m somewhat surprised by this as I’d think the salt with actually fade the clothing.
7. Another one that I heard and I kind of find hard to believe it washing your jeans with beer….?

I’d love to hear what you do to prevent your jeans from fading!

Kitchen Tools You Don’t Really Need

These days, it seems like every recipe requires its own special pot, pan or gadget; however, all these extra gadgets do nothing but collect dust and/or space. Are you sick and tired of handing out all this money on kitchen equipment?  Here’s some help on ways to use what you already have.

Electric Griddle

Griddles are great for pancakes and fried eggs because they have a big, flat surface to cook on. However, their size makes them a nuisance when it comes to counter space and storage. The solution: a cast iron skillet with a flat bottom will do the trick.

Electric Steamer

A steamer is the perfect way to cook vegetables without adding fat but there’s no need to add one to your already-crammed cupboard. The solution:  place a wire mesh strainer or metal colander directly inside your cooking pot filled with water. If your lid won’t fit after placing either inside, place aluminum foil over the top and seal it around the pot.

Mandoline

A mandoline will give you precision when slicing fruits and vegetables but it’s expensive and can be dangerous (especially if you’re like me and are very clumsy). The solution: use a vegetable peeler. It may not be as quick or uniform in slicing but you can still achieve perfectly thin slices and long curls of vegetables or fruit peels

Pastry Bag

Unless you’re piping an intricate design or delicate embellishments, skip the pastry bag (which, if you’re ever had one is a nightmare to clean) and opt for a zip-top plastic bag that you can toss when done. I cannot express how easy this really is!  Small sandwich bags break easily, so it’s best to use a gallon-size, heavy-duty freezer-safe bag. Like you would a pastry bag, add the frosting or filling (about halfway up or less), press it down gently into one bottom corner and twist the leftover bag at top to close it off. Snip the corner off as desired (the higher up you cut, the bigger the line will be) and pipe away.

Rolling Pin

Even though a rolling pin isn’t usually pricey, it does take up. In its place, wrap a wine bottle (full or empty) with plastic cling wrap and work away as you would with a pin. The wrap will keep it from sticking and prevents a full-bottle from getting messy. If you’re working with dough for pie or shortbread cookies, ensure it stays cool by using a full bottle that’s been chilling in the fridge for a bit.

Wok

I’ve been thinking about buying a wok for ages!  A wok retains heat well and provides a lot of surface area for quick-cooking meats and veggies. A large sauté pan works just as well for stir-fries and can be used for many other types of dishes.

25 Amazing Ways to Wear a Scarf

I have quite a few different scarfs but get bored with wearing them as I know only a few different ways to wear them.  I found this incredible video that demonstrates 25 different ways to wear scarfs.

Click HERE to check out the video yourself.

How to Send Cookies in the Mail

 

Have you ever wondered how to send cookies to your loved ones in the mail but are concerned that they might not arrive safely.  Check out this article I found on the Canadian Living website which explains how to send cookies in the mail.

 

Frugal Tip ~ Freshening Stuffed Animals

 

Does that favourite teddy bear need to be cleaned but are you concerned it may not make it through the wash machine?  Try sprinkling the toy with baking soda and let it sit for about 15 minutes.  Then brush off the excess.  You’ll be pleased with the results.

How Long to Cook a Turkey

I absolutely love turkey!  I’m making turkey dinner tomorrow for the family.  I can never remember how long to cook the turkey for.  Right at the Butterball Website, Butterball has a calculator where all you have to do is enter the weight of the turkey and they will let you know how long it will need to be cooked.  I love this feature!

I hope this helps you as much as it helps me out.

Click HERE to go directly to the Butterball website.

Homemade Spaghetti Holder

Here’s a great reuseable, homemade spaghetti holder which I just absolutely love!

 

Gift Ideas for Christmas from Regal

 

 

Regal currently has amazing Christmas gift ideas!

What is Regal?

Regal is known for its unique products that include greeting cards & gift wrap, handy household helpers, kitchen gadgets, home & seasonal décor and unique family gifts, all sold at great prices with average item pricing below $20.  There is no other catalogue like it in the Canadian market.

Want to Safely Buy Regal Online and have the ability to shop 24 hours a day – 7 days a week?

Through Regal, I now have my own Web Store.  It uses the latest in security software so there is no need to worry about using your credit card, items are delivered directly to you and you can now view our most up to date catalogues through my store.

Ordering is as simple as visiting my site at http://www.tshannon.shopregal.ca/ and it only takes minutes to do!

• Click on Quick Order Pad at top of screen

• New to web store select “New Customer”

• If you have purchased before through my store select “Returning Customer” and fill in email address and password

• Enter item code and quantity

• Click update cart and then check-out and enter your payment details

 

Craft Project ~ Turn a T-Shirt into a Skirt

In a hurry to go somewhere and need a cute little skirt?  Here’s a quick and easy project, turning a long sleeve t-shirt into a skirt.  I love this!