Gifts, re-gifting and hostess gifts

First things first, get rid of everything that does not serve you or your loved ones. If your home is full of clutter, it clutters the mind. Everyone receives gifts that are not what we would keep in our homes or have nothing to do with anything we would be a part of or do. These gifts should be either re-gifted to someone who would use them or appreciate them. If you can’t think of anyone in your life who would like the Hummel doll your Aunt Sally gave you for Christmas, give it to charity. There is always someone who would benefit or appreciate what you have no need for. In the end, it is an act of kindness and not a slap in the face to the person in which the gift originated. Keep a wish list of things that you would really like and when asked by Aunt Sally what you’d like for your birthday, tell her! I once celebrated a birthday with a party and knew that there would be those who would be bringing gifts, even though I didn’t want them too. I asked for gift certificates to a prominent kitchen store so that I could buy the expensive cappuccino machine I wanted. I was given a machine and able to use the money for the very pretty cups and saucers. It was perfect and practical. If you have the room, a gift closet, or shelf, or bin, or cabinet is a great thing to have. You can put the things you receive and don’t want right in there. Also, if you see something that you know someone else may like, even if it’s not close to the holidays or their birthday, and you can get a good price, but it and store it. When an event like a party or holiday does roll around, make a list and consult your gift space first. It can save you so much money and time.
Hostess gifts are coming back as well. As we begin to gather together in each other’s homes more we can share something that we have found to be helpful with each other. Whether it’s a bottle of wine, a corn butterer, or a great cookbook, a hostess gift is a showing of gratitude for your friend or acquaintance for the meal and party. The gratitude feels good and is appreciated.

Waxing

Well ladies, we have found the way to wax at home to stave off MRSA and other nasty infections you risk from going to a salon. SurgiWax has a Brazilian waxing kit that you simply microwave (or heat carefully in boiling water). There are no strips and it is not messy! Serena and I both swear by this. She has no microwave so developed the heat in hot water method. The cost is about $5.00 for 3+ waxes! Run, don't walk to your local pharmacy now!

Fruit Flies

Here's a great tip from Serena (and her local farm stand)

Fruit flies are a nuisance. Put a small cup of cider vinegar with a drop of dish soap and mix it up. Leave overnight and the flies will be attracted to it and die...all of them!

These flies come in on your fruit, so wash when you get home first...this may kill the larvae.

Plan your day and include your route!

Here's a little something to save gasoline. Not only will this help your handbag, but it will also help the environment!

When planning your day, including your errands, plan to go to the furthest point first and then stop en route accordingly to your home. We are so spontaneous in our travels these days. If you take the time to organize in the morning and really think it through, you will not only save gas, but your time as well. We all need the feeling of satisfaction of having our errands complete, so revel in the spare time you will create by planning your day!

Have a good week!

Juicing and Garbage Day

I have been juicing, a lot, and I feel great!
2 Lemons
2 Fuji Apples
Bunch of Kale
Head of lettuce
Bunch of celery
Ginger

Juice it, drink it, feel awesome!

But here's the rub. The fiber smells terrible in a matter of a day in your garbage. I love juicing the night before garbage day. It feels so efficient and it was :)

Enjoy the weekend!

Ice Cubes

Here's a great summer tip from Bonny Batt: Make coffee, lots of coffee and make coffee ice cubes. Keep said cubes in a labeled Ziplock. This makes a non-watered down iced coffee. Apply the same principle to Bloody Mary Mix or Margarita mix. Don't we all love the taste of a fresh drink?

Visited my friends Kerry and Brian last night. Kerry had pre-made garlic cubes that were a bit smaller than traditional ice cubes. What a great idea! When chopping garlic and getting stinky, why not go all the way and chop it all and freeze the chopped cloves individually? Smart, efficient, and tasty too!

Cooking for who? You!

Here it is, Sunday night and I am cooking. As a single woman, I am going to take a page from my friend Nancy's book. She swears by cooking a double order when she cooks a big feast. She packages up meals and freezes them for nights she does not wish to cook. Last night I had friends for dinner and their request was lasagna. Most of which is now in my freezer and waiting for the day that I simply take it out and nuke it! Tonight, steak and sweet potato. Now, I probably won't freeze any of it, but will enjoy the left over, sliced steak over salad tomorrow for lunch, then perhaps a steak sandwich on Monday.

If you have a family, get a freezer. You can buy things on sale or in bulk, cook when you're cooking anyway and freeze meals. Save those plastic "to-go" containers and, with a marker, put the contents, date and serving size. A great way to utilize your time, save future time and save money!