Chores for kids

I was cleaning out a cabinet last week and found this chore assigning tool.  I don't even remember how old the kids were when we used it.  I doubt they even remember it.  But, the more I thought about it, the more brilliant it became.  It was free to make, could work for any size family, and the chores could change with the season and abilities.  Wow, at some point, I was smart!

How to get blood out of carpet

I've been off the grid for a few days, so I was unable to post.  But, now our kiddos are moved to college and I have internet again, so here is how to get blood out of carpet.  I hope you never need it.

Disclaimer:  There are no pictures.

I have a lethal food processor.  Well, that's not fair.  It's not the food processor that's lethal, just the blade and that sucker is SHARP!  But, for some reason, I have trouble remembering that when I drop it into soapy water.  (I'm betting you already know the rest of the story.)

Friday's Fab Five - Tater Tot Casserole

Another super easy dinner to freeze...

When you find those big family packs of ground beef on sale, stock up.  You can cook five meals out of 5 pound pack and freeze them in freezer ziplock style bags and it takes up VERY little space.  Then you can pull one out and have dinner on the table in a jifffy and not have to clean a skillet!!!  Woohoo!!! 

Breakfast Cookies

I started making these cookies earlier this summer and now I am totally addicted.  They keep me full until breakfast and make me feel like I'm being somewhat healthy.  They made from nuts, fruits, and quinoa and have no added sugar. 

Bonus:  I feel like a kid...sneaking COOKIES for breakfast!

Cleaning a Stainless Steel Sink

My friend has her house on the market and I've been giving her hints about keeping it "show" ready.  Not because I'm an expert.  I've only sold one house and it was on the market 3 days and 2 of those I was out of town.  No, I give her hints because I tend to be bossy and I have a little more time to think about these things. 

So, when I was browsing through Pinterest one day, I saw a pin for cleaning your sink with baby oil.  Now, I'm thinking that might work (after all I found it on the internet and the internet is ALWAYS right - said in a sarcasm font), but when your house is on the market, do you really want your kitchen to smell like babies???  I think that might be the best scent for some people.

So, I got to thinking...what do I like to smell? 

Discounts for Teachers

This post may not apply to you if you are NOT a teacher, but I bet you KNOW a teacher and you could bless them by sending this post to them!  You could even give it as a "first day of school" gift for your child's teacher.  Maybe attached to a bottle of bubble bath, a great coffee mug, or go old school and give it with an apple?

Homemade Silk Plant Cleaner

My friend Martha, has been having some work done in her house and it has created A LOT of dust.  So, she made up this fabulous silk plant cleaner and told me that I could share it.

I've used purchased "plant cleaners" before and this worked just as well.  And was practically free!

Good job, Martha!

Friday's Fab Five - Monterey Chicken Casserole

When whole chickens are on sale, I buy a couple.  Then I only have to debone chickens once and  deboning chickens is not my favorite thing (because it gets under my nails).  I'll do anything to save my manicures and my time both.  Bonus!

Waffle Iron Failure

Just so you know....not everything works out as planned in the world of blogging.

The idea for this post came from two places.  One, I was in college in the 80s when girls woke up and put their hair in hot rollers.  Two, I love to read www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com and a few weeks ago, she posted something about cooking with her waffle iron.

Musty Smell Remover

I hate when you have just showered and you are all clean and then you grab a towel to dry off and it stinks.  Then your clean body has musty stink all over it.

But, I live in Houston which is one big huge sauna in the summer.  Nothing dries quickly and so THAT smell is gonna happen at some point.  What to do?

One Dish Dinner - Mexican Quinoa

I have quite a love affair with quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa").  It has the most protein of any grain (technically, it's a seed) and is super versatile.  It can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in savory or sweet recipes.  I haven't found a bad recipe with it yet.

This one is super easy, all in one pot!  I used red quinoa because that is what I had and it looked and tasted like taco meat.  We ended up making "taco" salads with it, but it would be great in enchiladas or burritos.  I froze the leftovers, so I'll let you know how it turns out.

Homemade Floor Cleaner

This started out as a carpet cleaning trial, but I think it worked better on my tile floors.

A BIG birthday

Today is my sweet, wonderful, fabulous, fantastic, amazing husband's 50th birthday!!!!!!

So, this means I am hosting a small family party tonight so that we can celebrate.  I thought that it would be fun to share my menu and recipes with you my devoted readers so that you could enjoy too!  So, stay tuned in the future for some of these fabulous recipes.

Friday's Fab Five - Sloppy Joe's

Super easy to make and super quick to get on the table!

One Dish Dinner - Chinese Chicken and Rice

I've been thinking a lot about the "One Pot Wonder" posts I keep seeing with pasta and I wondered...could you do it with rice?

Here's my concoction approved by friends (Yes, I made it for friends before trying it at home!)
I'm a little excited about sharing this because I made it up!