Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Tips and Quips




Yesterday morning was so awesome!!! It was overcast and there was a chill in my house. I know....you're pretty sure I'm off my nut, right??

Well, I'm not...completely...

It was the perfect day for homemade chili and it was so simple to throw together!!!

What made my prep time considerably easier??

Planning ahead. Just a little here and a little there can make a big difference.

~~Brown all of your ground beef at one time. When it cools, put it in bags or freezer containers in ½ or 1 pound amounts. Then the next time you're making chili or tacos, spaghetti or sloppy joes, it's as easy as grabbing out the amount you need and heating it up!! Makes it easier to feed those drop in guests as well!!!

~~Don't let that crock pot just set on the counter collecting dust!! Soak 2 pounds of pinto beans over night. The next morning, rinse the beans and put them in your crock pot. Add some water and seasoning, turn that pot on low and forget about it. I let my pintos cook around 24 hours. Let them cool and put them in quart bags. Lay them flat to make more room and stick them in the freezer. Handy deal next time you want to make chili or just want some pintos to go along with that cornbread!!

~~Hate ironing?? I do. But what I hate more is what to do with the cord when your storing it. I've got the same problem with my blow dryer, curling iron....Of course, I could buy those handy dandy ties and tie those cords up...but why spend the money?? Next time you empty a roll of toilet paper save that tube!! It's perfect for storing those cords in and allowing you to put up those appliances neatly!!

~~Need just a tablespoon of tomato sauce or pesto?? Get some ice cube trays, measure your sauce and put a tablespoon in each hole and freeze. When frozen, pop them out and put them in a bag. Ready in an instant when you need them!!

~~I love my floor swiffer. I have hardwood floors and it seems as if every time I look at them there is dust of crumbs or something staring back at me. That drives me nuts!! Swiffer pads can get very expensive but there are two things I do to save money. I use the microfiber rags or used dryer sheets. The microfiber pads can be bought at the dollar store for a buck and will last forever. Just use them and throw them in the washer--but make sure you don't use fabric softener on them!!

Hope these handy little ideas will make your day easier and your wallet happier!!!

3 comments:

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

These are great tips! I shall be using some of them I am sure!
Love Collette xxx

Unknown said...

Awesome tips...going into my little "tip file" lol...I'd love it if you would link up on my blog--I've got a Tuesday's Tips meme I've been trying to get moving lol...check it out if you get a second!

Unknown said...

I'll have something for you over at my HHHF blog in the morning if you go look!!