You’re standing by the front door, gift wrapped in hand, coat on, ready to go. The company Christmas party starts in 45 minutes and it takes 40 to get there so you can be a little early. But something seems to be missing. Actually someONE is missing. Oh right, your spouse.

They got out of their 20-25 minute shower ten minutes ago insisting they would be ready in those ten minutes. But you know all too well they still need to do their hair, pick out their outfit (after trying on three others), choose their shoes, maybe throw on some makeup, re-check their hair and outfit, spray the cologne/perfume and grab a snack because “the party doesn’t start for 45 minutes and they won’t even serve the food after all the introductions!”

This happens almost every single time you guys go out and it always leaves you waiting by the door tapping your foot. Your spouse apologizes every time for being/making you late and reminds you they are trying. You know they are, and are sincerely sorry, so you love them yet another day. But you still wish things would change, right? You can’t keep making people wait on you guys and you are sick of always missing the opening credits! I mean, come on! They’re you’re favorite part!

Don’t fret. I’m here! I have the answers. I am going to give you tips on how you can help your loved one become their most punctual self – or at least try to. And I’m sure you’re wondering how I have these answers. Because it’s me. I AM the always late, rushing, care-free like person who finds her husband waiting at the front door each time they go ANYWHERE. I’ll tell you… I can’t remember the last time we saw the opening credits at the movies. Sorry babe, I’m trying!

1. First and foremost, open up. It’s crucial to explain your frustrations as well as find out what their definition of punctuality is. More likely than not it’s going to be different than yours. For example, to me being on time is getting to a 6 p.m. event at 6 p.m., but to my husband it’s arriving 15-20 minutes early. We have very different definitions of punctuality. Figure out their reasons and motives for why they take the time they do to get ready! They probably have very specific reasons and they probably aren’t doing it to be spiteful or disrespectful in anyway. Just talking about these things will open so many doors to finding the core issue!
2. Simplify, simplify, simplify. You’re busy, they’re busy, we’re all busy. Most people don’t love coming home to a long to-do list knowing they have limited time to knock off every item but some do! Maybe you’re that person. Maybe your spouse is not. Try to keep what you schedule to a minimum so your spouse doesn’t start to feel overwhelmed. You could even inform whoever you’re meeting and most likely, because they know you and your spouse, they’ll be understanding and grateful for the heads up! Also, try removing any obstacles or distractions that could get in the way. Have the dishes put away ahead of time or keep the TV off. Everyone will be able to move at a quicker rate and improve their punctuality without distractions!
3. Create more routines and structure. Having nothing to do is almost worse than having too much to do because things can be put off for too long. If you have a daily routine, such as getting home from work and immediately loading the dishwasher with the dishes from breakfast, sweeping the floor, tidying the room, etc. before doing anything else, it will set more structure in the home and will help during the times you need your spouse to be more time sensitive. You’ll be able to be okay with skipping a step to add more time. Maybe try assigning different tasks so if you finish getting ready first you can do a few chores while they get ready and vice versa.
4. Time. Buffer. Personally, I know this works. People have played this trick on me so much that I now have caught on and know when they’re giving me the right times or not! Try telling your spouse you’re needed earlier than you really are so you can assure they’ll be ready on time! Just be aware they may catch on eventually…. then you’ll need a new tactic.

If these tips don’t seem to be working and you feel you’ve tried everything, take a step back. Figure out a way to accept it and move on! If you can, look at yourself to find out why your spouse’s tardiness keeps getting on your nerves. If you need to take two cars, do it. They’ll get the picture. Just make sure you’re doing all you can to stay calm, collected and try to be understanding.

Everyone is different and these tips may not work for your loved one with their punctuality, so test them out! Find what works! I hope I’ve been able to bring more insight into why your spouse is always so late! And remember, they are trying!

Did these tips help? You might find these posts helpful as well!

Five Tips for Living with Messy People

Seven Reasons Your Spouse May Be Sabotaging Your Healthy Lifestyle

18 Simple Keys to a Happy Marriage

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The real problem we seem to face, whether we’re a total mess, half mess, or not messy at all, is learning how to live with someone who is more messy than us! No matter the mess we seem to have in our own lives, it always feels as though the other “messy person” is… messier. And dealing with it is often times no bueno.

So how do we deal with the different problems that arise because of the messiness without hurting any feelings or pointing blame? It’s a tough game to play, but today I have five tried and true ways to settle any disputes you may have going on at home that can keep your relationships strong and thriving. First, let’s dive into a few areas where you may be seeing problems arise the most.

KITCHEN

The kitchen is somewhere we all love to be. But we don’t love it to be a disaster! Keeping your kitchen clean is important not just for looks and feel but for your overall health too! Besides the bathroom, the kitchen harbors the most bacteria which can spread like wild fire if not cleaned properly.

BEDROOM

When you think of winding down after a long day, you most likely think of the bedroom. You’re able to fall onto your bed and wrap up in your favorite blanket. But then you see four of your husband’s shirts balled up next to you and blankets all on the floor. A messy bed is only one of many things that can take away your anticipated relaxation!

BATHROOM

A bathroom should be a germ-free sanctuary. A place to take care of yourself after a long day. When the bathroom is dirty – towels on the floor, toothpaste in the sink – relaxing is hard to do! Especially when you weren’t the one who made the mess. Maybe you left one towel on the floor after your morning shower, but you were in a hurry and promised to pick it up when you got home.

5 Tips For Living With A Messy Person

#1. BE PRACTICAL!

You might need to lower your expectations here just a bit. If the person you love isn’t used to being a “neat freak” like you wish they would, it’s going to take time for them to make improvements. Don’t give them jobs that are going to be too much to handle and only make them not want to do it more!

#2: CONVERSE!

Do not put this off! The longer you wait the more the steam is going to build. While you’re talking, be calm and collected. This will help them to understand where you’re coming from. You can also come up with a compromise by letting them know if they do this for you, you are more than willing to do something for them and finish with deciding on a reward or incentive!

#3: ASK FOR HELP!

Let them know you need help in this area of your life. Explain to them how living a cleaner life will benefit you both in many ways whether it’s with your health or better sleep at night. Instead of nagging them to clean up more or help you more, try asking how you can help them! It’ll show you care about helping them improve over your own well being.

#4: DEVELOP ROUTINE!

Baby steps. You can’t just throw it all at them at once. Developing a routine will make cleaning seem easy and doable! Try a divide and conquer tactic. That way you’ll both be working together to get the job done. You can also try a tabata routine which means 10 minutes of work, 10 minutes rest. Repeat until finished! Also, designate preferred clutter spots. It’s okay if something has a few piles as long as the rest is tidy and in place.

#5: REMEMBER WHY YOU’RE TOGETHER!

This whole process can be frustrating. That’s why it is crucial to stay patient and continue to remind yourself why you’re together. You didn’t choose to be together simply for their tidiness! Odds are there are a million other reasons you choose to be together ever single day. Try making lists or saying these reasons to yourself out loud or to your partner!

And remember, during this whole thing, always find ways to have a lot of fun!

Did these tips help? You might find these posts helpful as well!

Seven Reasons Your Spouse May Be Sabotaging Your Healthy Lifestyle

18 Simple Keys to a Happy Marriage

25 Engaging Questions to Ask Your Hubby Besides, “How Was Your Day?”

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Do you have a piece of clothing that you just can’t part with?  Maybe something that was part of a defining moment in your life? A prom dress?  A letterman’s jacket? Or maybe a teeshirt that you bought at your first concert?

For me, it is two simple scarves. They are 22 years old and I can’t throw them away.

It was 1995 when I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.  I had three young children and underwent 6 weeks of radiation,  a double mastectomy and almost a year of intense chemotherapy.  I lost all of the hair on my head, most of eyebrows and eyelashes but I never lost the hair on my legs.  You would think that if there could be ONE perk about having cancer, that it might be that I wouldn’t have to shave my legs!  But shave them I did.

I wish that I had taken way more pictures of myself during that time, but I only have two and I treasure them both.  While going through this experience I didn’t want pictures taken of me without my hair but now I wish I had more to document that time in my life.  Here I am with my three littles.  My hair is completely gone in this picture and if you look closely under the white brim of the hat, you can see the scarf that I used to wear.  I never wore a wig.  It was much too hot, itchy and slippery!

Losing my hair was one of the hardest things I had to experience while going through cancer.  Your hair frames your face and it’s one of the first things that people notice about you.

Wearing my scarves became who I was.  They became a trophy in my victory of surviving cancer and in now being 22 years cancer free.   They remind me that I can do hard things and they remind me to appreciate all that I have in life.

When the time came that my chemotherapy was over and my hair started to grow back, I was hesitant to remove my scarves.  It was almost like I was putting away a part of myself that I never wanted to forget.  So I keep my scarves because it’s a way of keeping my memories bright.

Every once in a while, I bring my scarves out and give them a good washing.  To keep their colors bright, I use Clorox2® Stain Remover and Color Booster.  They look as good today as they did 22 years ago.  Even old clothes can stay looking new with the help of Clorox 2.

I just toss my scarves into my washing machine and add the Clorox2 along with my favorite detergent right into the wash basin. For best results, start the washer and add both your detergent and Clorox2 before adding your clothes. Using Clorox 2 extends the life of your wardrobe and keep your clothes looking newer longer.  Just take a look at my scarves!

Keep your memories alive and bright by using Clorox2 so you won’t have to part with YOUR special article of clothing anytime soon.

Now for our GIVEAWAY! Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win these great prizes!

One $200 gift to the Container Store
One Clorox 2 Stain Remover Pen
One Clorox 2 Stain Remover liquid

Giveaway ends 2/23/17 . One lucky winner will be notified by mail.  Must be 18 to enter.

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I am participating in a VN campaign for Clorox® . I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Clorox® and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

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The New Year is a perfect time to get organized. Well, let’s be honest, any time is a good time to get organized. My whole house could use some help! But taking on the WHOLE house is kind of overwhelming. Am I right? So let’s walk through 10 Simple Organization Tips To Get You Started. We will start in the bedroom, move to the bathroom, hit up the kitchen, check out important documents, and end with electronics! Sound like a plan?

Let’s get organized!

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When I first started writing this post, my thought was hacks to get stains out of clothes. However, after a lot of research and reading, I found that stains are a big problem for many household items. Some examples include cars, beds, kitchen ware and house surfaces. These 11 Hacks to Get Stains Out will show you the magic of removing those pesky stains with ease.

Click through to find out what stains you can remove for good.

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Making memories. That is our family’s motto. Whenever we have the chance to get together we try to make every event memorable. I am a 21 year breast cancer survivor so our family has always lived with the notion that we never know how many tomorrows we may have, so we try and live each moment to the fullest.

This weekend is no exception.

Our family will be getting altogether this weekend to attend a college football game. For 5 out of the 8 adults in our group, this college is their Alma Mater. So we are packing up and heading to Phoenix for the game. We can’t wait to be together.

The designated teeshirt to wear to represent our college for this game is white.

White.

A white teeshirt at a football game. In my book, that’s somewhat of a “fumble”.

A white teeshirt where you are going to eat things like hot dogs, soda, nachos, candy, maybe even a slurpee.

I already know what’s going to happen to MY white shirt.

I am going to be eating a hot dog and then BLOP! Ketchup and mustard will be prominently displayed on my shirt.

My white college football shirt.

Is there anything harder to get out than a mustard stain? I say nay. Nay I say!

I decided to put Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster to the test BEFORE the game. Could they score a “touchdown” with getting a mustard stain out? Or will it turn out to be more of an “incomplete pass?”

I grabbed my white football shirt and squirted some ketchup on it followed by……mustard.

You heard me. Mustard.

Did I really just intentionally put mustard onto a white shirt?

Why yes. Yes I did.

I know what will come next. I will have eaten a chocolate bar and some chocolate crumbs will have fallen onto my shirt and in the heat, the chocolate will have melted and now I have a chocolate stain.

Enter chocolate.

Right about now I was wanting to throw a “Hail Mary” and start praying that this works because mustard stains are usually the ones that are set-in FOREVER.

I pre-treated the stains by pouring the Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster directly on the stains. Rubbing the liquid in gently, I let it set for about 5-10 minutes. Do not allow it to dry on the fabric. Then into my washer in it went with a little more Clorox 2 and my regular laundry detergent.

I shouldn’t have worried. Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster “intercepted” those stains and scored the “extra point”.

When the stain “game” gets tough, send in your best player. Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster. It’s your best “defense” against stains.

So live your life to the fullest and make as many memories as you can. Don’t let a stain ruin the fun because Clorox 2 can get it out later.

In the words of Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus:

“Take chances! Make mistakes! GET MESSY!”

Ms. Frizzle knows what she’s talking about. Live life, make memories, GET A STAIN!

AND….. here’s a Clorox 2® Coupon for $2 off that is good at Wal-Mart for the month of October. Woot!

For tips on how to get more out of life and laundry, visit https://www.clorox.com.

Now for our GIVEAWAY! Enter the rafflecopter below for a chance to win these great prizes!

One $200 Cloud9 gift card: https://www.cloud9living.com/
One Clorox 2 Stain Remover Pen
One Clorox 2 Stain Remover liquid

Giveaway ends 9/27/16. Winner will be notified by mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am participating in a VIN campaign for Clorox® . I am receiving a fee for posting; however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I am in no way affiliated with Clorox® and do not earn a commission or percent of sales.

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I love having a clean house. But, I do not love cleaning. You’d think the house cleans itself! One of my least favorite cleaning tasks is window cleaning. Ten years ago we moved to a larger home. Our kitchen and family room share a long wall with eight full-length windows and a sliding glass door. The living room and entryway have eight full-length windows, and the office has three. That’s a total of 20 full-length windows. (We have a two-story house, I don’t remember the last time I washed the upstairs windows).

I sure do have a love-hate relationship with my windows. When they are clean, I am the happiest and love looking through them to our beautiful front and backyard. I tend to hate them when they are dirty. Can’t even glare at them without some disgust. Since I hate dirty windows, one would assume I clean mine regularly. Wrong. Getting them clean takes what feels like a herculean effort on my part. I usually procrastinate washing them until they are filthy.

Magically Get Your Windows Cleaned

My window cleaning story is an interesting one.

Before knowing this method I will let you in on it shortly, I have tried using other tricks and items. Among them are newspapers and Windex, rubber gloves required to prevent getting ink on all over my hands, a professional cleaning tool with a sponge scrubber, squeegee, and non-lint cleaning cloths. No matter what I tried, it has been a long, tedious process. It always ended up with clean windows with streaks left behind. I was not happy with myself. Let alone my windows.

I finally gave up and decided it was best to ignore the streaks. Because getting perfectly cleaned windows was an impossibility. Then I found this quick, easy non-streak window washing method. And my clean-freak self could not be any happier.

Tools Needed for the Cleaning

For any cleaning to be perfect, you absolutely need the right tools. And they too have to be easily accessible and available at your local store. Good news, for the windows we only need just a few supplies. These are a bucket, a mop, water, Jet Dry, and Dawn dishwashing detergent.

Using this handy cleaning bucket on wheels and microfiber mop (14.75″ 360-degree rotating metal mop) helped keep my actual cleaning time down to just 10 minutes. Which is a great save of time, compared to the long hours I used to waste and end up getting poor results. Using the right tools does make a difference.

Our cleaning tip is not only a time-saver but also saves on costs in the long run. Which is a great plus for this method. Once you buy the supplies, you can use them for long before they get depleted. And you don’t have to use large quantities of them to get your cleaning right.  

The Cleaning Process

1/2 gallon warm water
1 Tablespoon liquid Jet Dry
2-3 Tablespoons Dawn dishwashing soap
Cleaning bucket
Microfiber mop

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients above in a large bucket.
2. Spray windows down with your hose.
3. Wipe or brush cleaning solution onto windows, immediately hose off your window.

After getting my supplies, I followed my normal routine. I sprayed my windows, wiped them with the cleaning solution, and then rinsed them down. Those three steps only are what it takes. And I found it hard to believe the spots and streaks would dry without leaving some kind of visible residue.

Fifteen minutes later, I was surprised and thrilled to find perfectly cleaned windows! How long did it take me to clean one full sliding glass door and eight full-length windows? Ten minutes flat.

I was skeptical at first, now I am a believer! I hope you get to say the same thing once done with your cleaning too.

Here is how two of my windows looked after cleaning as they dried.

This window had one large water drip down the middle.

And as for this window, it had a lot of wet spots.

Hacks For Stubborn Stains or Streaks

That’s it! You are now done. The remaining water will sheet off, leaving clean streak-free windows. You won’t believe your eyes. It’ll be a dream come true for you.

Sparkling Windows at Last

How does it feel to have clean sparkly windows? Sure feels heavenly. Once I am done cleaning, I usually make myself a nice cup of coffee, mocha preferably. As a pat on my back and sit on the porch and admire the good work a grandma was able to do with her windows. I managed to do. You can steal my idea of celebrating yourself after a good cleaning break.

We can’t help but be grateful to 33 Barefoot Lane for the great cleaning idea! Now all you’ve got to do is keep up with the routine you have started. We are so happy we came through for you. Can’t wait to hear how the whole magic window cleaning process goes down for you. Be sure to leave your comments below. We will really appreciate it.

This was so much fun, guys! Now let’s get those windows all cleaned up!

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It is not going to take a lot of your time. Learn the benefits of grilling, how to keep your BBQ sparkling clean and ready for your backyard party. Put safety first and keep your cooking space spotless. 

Why do I prefer using a BBQ grill?

Especially in the summer, cooking with BBQ gives me a holiday and festive feeling. In fact, I love to BBQ for so many reasons. Instead of being in a hot kitchen, I can enjoy grilling in my backyard. 

Always enjoy being outdoors and spend more time in the sun. The grill adds a specific smoky flavor to the meals and makes them special.

Besides, outside of marinating the meat, BBQing takes little planning and time. It is a healthy way to diversify your meal plan and add some grilled veggies to the plate. 

Benefits of grilling

• it takes less time to prepare
• food tastes great
• provides quality time with the family
• great for a party outdoors
• helps spend time outdoors
• adds diversity into your menu
• improves your cooking skills
• helps cook healthier meals

It is also healthy. You can grill veggies, bread, meat, and fish. Eating at home saves money and tastes better. The main thing with grilling is that fat melts off. It is a lot healthier than frying. Moreover, when you cook the meat at a BBQ, it is a lot juicier and satisfying. Also, it comes with this specific smoked flavor.

Why should you clean your BBQ grills?

If you don’t have the habit to clean your grill, this can lead to accumulating excess grease. It is possible to cause a fire later on. You should clean your BBQ grills to help them last longer and cook better. Moreover, it reduces the chance of fire.

Are you hosting a party this weekend? You want to make a good impression, right? Well, a tidy, shiny, and sparkling clean BBQ grill is the one that you should use for your backyard family gathering or a weekend party. It is simple when you know how to clean it properly and maintain it clean for a longer time. 

Benefits of a clean BBQ grill

• the grill will last longer
• the grill will cook better
• removes harmful carcinogens
• reduces the chance of fire

A clean barbecue is an attractive view! It shows care and gives your guests the feeling that the food they eat is safe. Also, it shows that you maintain your kitchen tools and utensils. It can tell a lot about your character and cleaning habits. 

Dirty grills tend to accumulate bacteria that can cause disease. It is not healthy, and the food may get contaminated. There are food particles that stay on the grill and can get into your food. 

Don’t allow you or some of your guests to get sick because of your dirty grills. Here is how I get my BBQ grills sparkling clean with minimal effort. Ammonia is the “magic” ingredient that makes cleaning easier.

Supplies

• Ammonia
• Trash bag
• Rubberband
• Safety glasses
• Rubber gloves

Techniques to keep your BBQ grill clean

Scrape any food left on the grill. You can rub the cooking surface with a large piece of onion. It will help to get rid of burnt-on food. You can also use a wire brush. Using a grill cover will prolong the life of your grill. It prevents the grill from getting rusty.

Grilling safety tips

When you use the BBQ grill, have in mind these several tips and make sure your use it the right way and carefully. 

• Always use the grill outside.
• Beware not to burn yourself.
• Keep the little children away from the grill.
• Make sure your grill is on a flat surface.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Wear appropriate clothing – gloves and a cooking apron.
• Always clean your grill after use.
• Never use the same kitchen platters and utensils for raw and cooked meat.
• To prevent charring, remove the fat that can cause a flare-up.

Make sure you store your products the right way. To prevent foodborne illness, never use the same kitchen tools for raw and cooked meat. Keep everything clean and safe.

What is the magic ingredient for cleaning your BBQ grills?

Even if I heat the BBQ, brushing the hot grill can’t get all the leftover gunk off. A couple of times a year, I like to give them a good deep clean with as little effort as possible on my part. Hello, household ammonia!

Here is how I get my BBQ grills sparkling clean with minimal effort. Ammonia is the “magic” ingredient that makes cleaning easier.

How to clean your BBQ grills – the magic way?

Pour 1 cup ammonia in a thick garbage bag, place your BBQ grates inside the bag and seal tightly. I used a rubber band to seal my garbage bag. You should seal the bag tightly. It is the fumes from the ammonia that loosens all the gunk on your grates. If you do not seal your garbage bag tightly the fumes will escape, and your grill will be a lot more difficult to clean. 

Because ammonia is a toxic substance to animals, grass, and plants, I made sure the bag is sealed tight enough that no ammonia would leak out and cause any harm to the surrounding environment.

Be careful to turn your face away when you open your garbage bag the next day. The fumes will be strong and can make your eyes burn. Remove your grills from the bag, scrub them lightly if needed and rinse them off until cleaning begins. Thank you Life 123 for inspiring such a great cleaning method.

Proper disposal of ammonia

For proper disposal of ammonia, the Poison Control Center recommends disposing of it down a sink where there is plenty of ventilation, such as a garage sink. If you do not have a garage sink, Poison Control recommends opening a window(s) near the sink you are using for 10 to 15 minutes.

You also have the option of taking your ammonia to the nearest hazardous waste center and having them dispose of it for you. (The girl at Poison Control Center asked me if this method works. I told her “Yes.” She was excited to go home and give it a try!)

What types of food can you grill on a BBQ?

It is time to get your grill on! Grilling is not just for the main course. You can also grill appetizers, side dishes, and desserts. The best part is I usually use fewer pots and pans, which makes cleaning up faster. That only leaves one thing – cleaning the BBQ grills. 

I usually brush the grills and clean them right after cooking the meat. But every so often, I forget. And the next time I open my grill, I will find a mess.

Tips for having the perfect BBQ backyard party

First of all, clean your BBQ grills. Make sure you follow the steps explained in this article. Then plan and organize your party. 

These tips will guarantee you host the best family reunion ever! Keep your menu simple. For example, you can include hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, appetizers, desserts, veggies, and cool drinks on your menu. Think of some games that your guest can enjoy while you grill the food. 

Play some good music and let your guests enjoy the lovely food!

Provide:

• clean BBQ grill
• tasty and nutritious food
• cool drinks
• good music
• cozy and comfortable pillows
• table cloths
• table decorations
• pretty backyard lighting
• outdoor party games

Prepare some of the food before the guests arrive. This way, it will be less stressful for your to host the party. Make homemade lemonades of other fizzy drinks. Use table cloths, pillows, decorations, string lights to make the atmosphere cozier, relaxed, and friendly. 

Think of some party games for even more family fun and quality time spent outdoors. It will keep the grandkids busy for a while and will add to the excitement. 

In conclusion

Are you planning a family reunion? Make sure you clean your BBQ grills, first. Think about the health issues that may occur if you neglect your cleaning habits and do not take care of your BBQ grills. It is the same with all the kitchen equipment you use. 

In short, the food needs to be prepared with clean and safe kitchen tools. Cleaning your BBQ grills will help you reduce the chance of fire. Also, it prolongs the life of your grills and makes the food taste better. Use this “magic” way to clean it with minimum effort and enjoy your BBQ time!

There is only one thing you should do once your BBQ is sparkling clean – get grilling! Here are our top BBQ recipes to help get you started.

Appetizers
Mango BBQ Brisket and Brie Quesadillas
Glazed Ham and Pineapple Kabobs

Main Course
Applesauce BBQ Chicken
Stuffed Flank Steak Kabobs
Grilled Flatbread with Chorizo & Peppers
Grilled Hawaiin Chicken
Bacon Pineapple Burgers
Spiral Hot Dogs
Grilled Potatoes and Asparagus with Basil and Parmesan

Dessert
Campfire Banana Boats
Campfire Eclairs

Did you like our article about cleaning BBQ grills? You have to read these other cleaning tips here:

• The magic way to clean your windows
• Clean your iron the magic way
• Spring clean bathroom like a pro in 2 minutes
• Magic silver cleaner
• Best cleaning tips on Pinterest

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And you most likely have some sitting around your house already. Well, what I didn’t know (and you might not know) is that there are so many other ways you can use Hydrogen peroxide inside and outside of your home! It’s amazing!

What is hydrogen peroxide?

It is a type of acid with disinfectant and antibacterial activities. It is used as an ingredient in a wide range of cleaning and personal care products.

What is more, its oxidizing characteristics and production of free radicals may prevent the spreading of infection and destroy pathogens. It is an ingredient in many households at low concentrations for medicinal uses, too. 

For instance, in higher concentrations, Hydrogen peroxide is a bleach for textiles and paper. Also, it is a bleaching agent in foods.

How to use Hydrogen peroxide?

You can use Hydrogen peroxide for a lot of purposes. This product is helping in many places in your home. Starting with your kitchen and to the garden, you will treat the household problems you have.

• cleaning sinks, flat iron, baking sheets, and other kitchen tools
• bleaching textiles
• removing stains
• whitening teeth and nails
• pesticide and root rot treatment
• lightening hair
• killing mold and viruses

12 mind-blowing ways to use Hydrogen peroxide

From healing skin and irritations to rot root treatment – this product can solve almost every problem you have in your house and garden. Keep a bottle of this oxidizer in your house just in case it may come in handy.

Cleaning tips and tricks with Hydrogen peroxide

1. Clean your flat iron

You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean your flat iron! This way you won’t have to go through the hassle of buying a new one! It is so helpful, indeed!

In fact, if you use the flat iron daily, you should consider cleaning it with a soft piece of cloth. It is the way to remove hair from it. 

2. Clean the sink

You can use it to clean the sink! Do you need help with making it shiny and white again? Look at the difference before and after! It looks new, indeed!

The kitchen sink may be one of the germiest places in your home. Using Hydrogen peroxide, you will have a clean and shining sink every day. Clean your drain, and don’t let any food particles stay there.

Not only sanitize your sinks, but also the faucets and handles. It works for your bathtub, as well. Step back and admire the results!

3. Stain remover

Make your own stain remover that removes EVERYTHING! It works on clothes and every other type of fabric.

Do you have a stubborn spot you want to remove? Hydrogen peroxide is the thing to try. There is no need to throw away a stained cloth anymore. Your clothes will look new again.

4. Clean the carpet

Speaking of stains, you can also use Hydrogen peroxide to clean the carpet! What a great solution!

These food or coffee stains will be visible for years if we don’t treat them properly. Why allow them to stay any longer? Hydrogen peroxide can do the work!

5. Clean baking sheets

You can use it to clean baking sheets. Are you embarrassed to show your baking sheets? Those can get pretty gross, but look how clean they get!

Well-used baking sheets may lose their shiny and bright look. Don’t worry, clean them up. You have to invest time and effort, but the results are worth it.

Some rubbing is necessary, but Hydrogen peroxide will do the work.

Hydrogen peroxide health benefits

6. Cure canker sores and boils

Use it to cure canker sores and boils! Have you been wondering how to treat these? They are types of oral lesions inside the mouth. Although not contagious, these may be very unpleasant, painful, and hard to cure. Most are not a cause of concern but consult a health care professional before using any home remedy.

ALSO!  Looking for a great way to get rid of a canker sore? Check this out! https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-canker-sore-wonderful-home-remedies/

7. Clean out your ears

Use it to clean out your ears. Do you have an earwax blockage? Ear drops may be a good solution for this, and Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in ear drops. It can help soften and remove buildups of earwax. Some people produce more wax than necessary.

However, if you have discomfort or pain in your ears, consider consulting a specialist. 

8. Repair cracked heels

Do you have the tough dead skin on your heels? It is an unpleasant condition. Hydrogen peroxide is very effective in treating this condition. It is how to get rid of cracked heels and make them soft and good-looking again.

It is a remedy that you can do at home. Also, exfoliating can help to get all the dead skin off of the feet. 

9. Treat acne

Use it to treat acne! Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that can be hard to treat.

If your grandkids are teenagers, they may have this problem. Have you tried everything yet? Finding a remedy that works fast and effective can be a difficult task.

Hydrogen peroxide helps exfoliate the skin and dry out the pimples. Use it with caution and not too often. Consult a dermatologist if the acne condition is not getting better and it needs further treatment.  

Hydrogen peroxide tricks for personal care

10. Whiten your teeth

Use it to whiten your teeth. Do you have dull and yellow teeth? It is a great way to whiten your teeth without breaking the bank! Most whitening products are chemicals, and the results don’t last long. It is a costly procedure.

Instead, you can whiten your teeth at home. Assure that you use safe methods and don’t experiment with substances that are not proven to work. 

Certain foods can stain your enamel and make teeth lose their bright sparkle. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent, and many teeth whitening products contain it.

For example, mix it with baking soda to form a homemade whitening toothpaste. It helps remove plaque buildup and bacteria. It is the way to get rid of stains. You can use it to disinfect your toothbrush. 

In addition, you can use Hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth, too. An effective way to disinfect your mouth and whiten your teeth! Try not to swallow any of the product, and make sure you dilute it first. Use it for several months to get a lasting effect.

11. Lighten your hair

You can mix it to create a natural highlighting spray to lighten your hair! It would be fun to try in the summer!

Why not get a new look? You can make your highlighting hair product at home for it is considered safe to use. However, it is best to use it in a salon to ensure you get the right color and minimize hair damage.

12. Whiten your toenails

Use it to whiten your toenails! As well as teeth, Hydrogen peroxide can help to whiten your toenails, too. Do you have dark or dull toenails? Make them shine and white again!

Moreover, it won’t damage the layer underneath and can carefully help you get rid of the dark toenails. It is a disinfectant that kills fungus on the nails and contributes to removing discoloration. Try it as a homemade remedy.

Hydrogen peroxide tricks for your home and garden

13. Kill mold

Kill mold naturally without harmful toxins! Mold usually grows in moist areas in your home. Have you encountered this problem? Mold is hard to manage. If the source of moisture is left untreated, it continues to appear.

In fact, breathing in and out spores from mold may lead to health issues. That is why you should try to remove it as soon as possible. For example, spray your bathroom floors and walls, if necessary, to clean up the mold.

What is more, hydrogen peroxide kills viruses and bacteria making it a strong disinfectant. And it is an environment-friendly substance, too.

14. Pesticide and root rot treatment

And finally, some gardening tips for you! Have your plants got mold and fungus growth? Don’t let these problems appear in your backyard. We have a solution for this.

Use Hydrogen peroxide to save a struggling garden! It acts as a pesticide, soil aeration, root rot treatment, and water treatment. Aerating your soil will prevent future cases of root rot. How amazing is this!

Safety tips for using Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound, and you should use it with care and caution. Make sure you put your safety first!

• Breathing or swallowing Hydrogen peroxide can provoke irritation. 
• Label your bottles and keep them away from kids.
• When used for disinfecting surfaces, make small daily batches.
• Mix disinfectants only with water and never with each other. For example, let stand for a few minutes and then wipe down. 

Moreover, you can disinfect floors, doors, countertops, glass, and other surfaces at home.

The bottom line

In short, Hydrogen Peroxide is great to have on hand! It can be of help in a variety of situations. I am going to make sure I always have some around the house. In fact, you never know when hydrogen peroxide’s going to save the day!

It is a versatile cleaner that kills viruses, molds, and bacteria. For example, use it to disinfect counters and kitchen utensils, shine mirrors and glass surfaces in your home. Remove stains from clothes and fabric, sanitize your skin basins with it.

In addition, use it in your garden for pest control and a root rot treatment. Actually, when used in the right concentration, it is a helpful cleaner and disinfectant.

Last but not least, consult a specialist if you want to use Hydrogen peroxide for treating health problems. 

Looking for other cleaning tips? Check out these posts:

• The magic way to clean your windows
• Magic silver cleaner
• Clean your iron the magic way
• Cleaning BBQ grills the magic way
• How to clean your brush in minutes

The post 12 Tricks That Will Change The Way You Use Hydrogen Peroxide appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

With a few simple supplies you will be able to have a spring clean bathroom in 2 minutes! A few pro tips and some key supplies picked up at Walmart can have your bathroom company ready in a flash. Don’t think you can do it? You really can if you have a plan and work smart. A big thank you to Clorox for sponsoring this post!Dear Readers, I would like to reintroduce you to my imaginary friend Candy Dish. For those who have been following us since, well, forever, you may remember her from one of my most popular posts Easy Shower Mold Solution which I wrote back in 2013. Clorox was Candy’s friend then, and Clorox is Candy’s friend now. Candy Dish has been my friend since I was quite little and she has always been an important part of handling embarrassing situations for me. Like, say, when the entire box of cereal spilled out all over the floor. That was Candy. She can be clumsy like that. I should have thought to use her when I wrecked my parent’s car. But I don’t think she would have taken that one on. The bounds of friendship only go so far.

Candy Dish is willing today to extend her friendship by sharing a recent embarrassing social situation. She is not the best of housekeepers, as you can see from the black mess in her shower in the aforementioned post. Of all household chores, cleaning the bathroom is her least favorite. It follows then, that spring cleaning the bathroom is not high on her list of priorities. Reducing that task to 2 minutes was of great interest to her.

Some girls can tolerate a little mess, but don’t really want others to know it. Say, a spot of toothpaste on the sink gets left behind, and dries into a hardened dot that she begins to think is part of the design of the countertop. Or shall we say tastefully, a bit of mess in the toilet that doesn’t quite whoosh away as easily as one would like when flushing. And it remains there for way too long. These things do not cause Candy a great amount of alarm. She does not particularly like her bathroom to be left permanently in that condition, but it does not bother her enough to do something about it immediately.

But when she received the call she panicked. Normally, Candy enjoys calls from her husband, but this one made her heart race in a way she did not like. He was calling to let her know he was on his way home. This part of the equation made her happy. But the fact that he had run into an old friend and invited him and his family over spur of the moment is what had her running around the house practicing the art of tidying in a very hurried way.

This is how I know that it can be done it 2 minutes. If she had skipped her shower, were wearing her grubby clothes and had set aside the day for cleaning, it would take much longer. But as we all know, one is amazed at how much cleaning they can get done when pressed against the threat of someone seeing how we really live. And it is not the way we would like to present ourselves, however accurate it may be. Candy Dish, like myself, does not always want to be perfectly honest about her level of comfort with a bit mess.

She told me how grateful she was that I had helped her put together this little kit of last minute solutions to common messy bathroom problems. It was with these tools she was able to spring clean her way to a company worthy bathroom all in a matter of two minutes.

The trick is in the organization and tools. For organization, move from top to bottom, left to right. Begin at the to the left of the toilet so the toilet will be the last thing you clean. Remove cobwebs and dust above the doorframe. Remove fingerprints and wipe handles with Clorox Wipes. Tough spots can be handled with Clorox scrub singles. Move to the next wall. Wipe light switches, clean sink, clean mirror, dust frames, wipe faucet,  clean the cabinet doors, clean the outside of the toilet and then the inside. A quick sweep or vacuum of the floor and then empty the trash. 2 minutes, done! Using disposable products is a real timesaver. Tool number one is the Clorox Toilet Wand which I found in the mop and broom aisle at Walmart. The wand is stored in the caddy. Inside the caddy are disposable pads preloaded with Clorox toilet bowl cleaner that attach to the end of the wand. When your done, release the pad into the trash with a push of the blue button. Ms. Dish loved not having to touch a single thing and especially liked not having a grody brush hanging about. She was also thrilled to find this had the strength to get that unmentionable spot out.The wand even acted as a great duster by wrapping some paper towels around the end and getting into any dusty corners. Candy couldn’t grasp my meaning, so I had to show her how.Clorox wipes are a favorite of Ms. D’s. Admittedly, she overuses them when wiping toilet seats as she wont to be sure her hand does not touch anything remotely icky.  In part, Candy Dish hates cleaning the bathroom because she hates touching what she considers gross. She had always wondered how her bathroom was to be thoroughly clean when using an old sponge to clean with. Certainly, she reasoned, the sponge needed cleaning as much as the bathroom did. So she made quick use of Clorox scrub singles.
A quick spritz of 1/2 water and 1/2 vinegar did the trick for cleaning mirrors and pictures. But that was not the only trick she had up her sleeve for amazing results.Candy Dish loves Viva paper towels! She used to save them for the guest bathroom only because they felt like luxury paper. She much prefers using paper towels to a hand towel in the powder room for guests, because as we know, she does not like contact with icky things, and towels used by multiple people most definitely live in the realm of icky. She found since making this substitution that the flu and cold viruses were greatly reduced in her household.

But upon using them for cleaning, she found they were much superior to their counterparts in that area as well. Less streaks, less lint and much more absorbent. But these are mostly rationalizations, for the real truth is she just plain prefers the feel of Viva paper towels and that alone makes unpleasant chores more bearable.
Walmart is wonderful for quick touches to spruce up for spring. Ms. Dish appreciated that little extra touch from the floral department. Adding some silk flowers to vases that sat empty, waiting for use, added that bit of spring that does not need refreshing, which suits Candy well, since when it comes to the bathroom she prefers spend as little time cleaning as possible.

She and I hope you will enjoy your spring clean bathroom!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Clorox. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Spring Clean Bathroom Like a Pro in 2 Minutes appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

1. Jamie Oliver’s famous turkey recipe that goes great for the holiday’s, Thanksgiving or Christmas!

2. You won’t believe how good a turkey comes out when you roast it with mayonnaise.  Check this one out from She Wears Many Hats!

3. Ina Garten hit home with this yummy Herb Roasted Turkey Breast from Barefoot Contessa on Food Network.

4. Learn to smoke your turkey this year with Jeff Phillips at Smoking Meat, with Bacon Butter!

5. A breakdown, step by step rendition of a Citrus and Herb Roasted Turkey, from Gaby.

6. Slow Cooked Turkey Leg with Honey Glaze and Garlic, makes great leftovers for the next day! Eat Well 101.

7. Cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving can be a big task! Here are some secrets to making your turkey the juiciest one ever! Design Mom.

8. Orange juice, cranberry sauce, onion soup mix in a crockpot, a totally different way of cooking a turkey this year, with tons of flavors we would have never thought of! Jamie Cooks It Up.

9. This amazing brine is made with tons of flavors including citrus, apple, thyme, and sage. Wicked Good Kitchen.

10. A step-by-step process with pictures gives you an easy tutorial to make the best turkey for the best time of the year. Natasha’s Kitchen.

11.  A Maple-Glazed Turkey with Bacon and Sage Butter, need I say more? Five Heart Home.

12. From the one and only Alton Brown on the Food Network, a Honey Brined Smoked Turkey recipe!

13. No need to be worried about a dry, tasteless turkey with this Perfect Smoked Turkey.

14. A turkey with the best skin ever? And has a great bacon flavor? Here’s a Traditional Roasted Turkey from the Voltaggio Brothers. Better Homes and Gardens.

The post 14 Different Ways to Cook a Turkey appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

If you are like me, then you like kitchen tips and hacks that makes cooking easier.  PAM Cooking Spray is a great product that can help with every situation in the kitchen from grilling to baking & beyond because PAM leaves 99% less residue than margarine or bargain-brand cooking sprays. Today  I am sharing four of my favorite kitchen hacks using this versatile spray.  Make sure that you read all the way to the end to see the video of my last tip!

PAM Hack #1

I use my cookie scoop when making cookies but before placing the scooper into the cookie dough, I spray the inside of my cookie scooper with PAM Cooking Spray.  The cookie dough comes out much better and there isn’t any residue left over that will start to clog up the scooper.

PAM Hack #2

If your recipe calls for a sticky ingredient like honey, corn syrup or peanut butter you are going to love this tip!  Before measuring a sticky substance, spray your measuring cups with PAM Cooking Spray.  Your sticky ingredient will slide out making the cleanup so much easier.  Just look at the honey in this measuring cup!

PAM Hack #3

In past I have had some plastic bowls that if I put a tomato based sauce like spaghetti sauce into them, it stains the bowl.   PAM Cooking Spray to the rescue! I now spray my plastic bowl before putting in a spaghetti sauce and my bowls aren’t stained.  I love this tip!

PAM Hack #4

PAM Cooking Spray is great for this last tip.  Check out the video to see how I use it!

As you can see, PAM Cooking Spray can make your life in your kitchen easier.  I hope that you enjoy these hacks and I would love to hear if you try one!

For recipes and more cooking tips, follow PAM Cooking Spray on Facebook and Pinterest, or visit pamcookingspray.com.

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In an effort to help all of us to be prepared for any gift giving need (for yourself or someone else!) LivingSocial Shop is giving YOU a gift of $5 towards any purchase of your choice! Click here to use your $5 gift!

LivingSocial Shop is the place where you can shop for more than beauty, fashion gadgets, home goods and jewelry. You can also purchase online educational courses, educational toys and health/workout classes all at deeply discounted prices.

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Hey this is Carole from My Kitchen Escapades and personally, I was “blessed” with the ability to sweat and stink within the first few seconds of my workouts. Currently, I am a Les Mills BODYPUMP instructor and I always wonder what my class members think when they see me dripping with sweat just a few minutes into the hour. Oh well…..I guess they can’t doubt whether or not I am working hard

Between BODYPUMP and training for whatever race is next on the calendar, my workout gear gets used almost daily and because that part of my wardrobe was such an expensive investment, I am very careful about how I wash those clothes. Here are my favorite tips I’ve learned over the years!

5 Simple Solutions for Stinky Workout Clothes

1. Presoak Your Clothes – it is really simple to do and makes a world of difference. Just combine 1 C of plain, cheap white vinegar with a couple gallons of cold water and let your clothes soak in that mixture for an hour. The vinegar does a great job of breaking down the built up sweat, dead skin (gross) and dirt. When the hour is up, just gently squeeze out your clothes before tossing them in the washing machine. No need to rinse them! This is perfectly safe on all types of fabrics so don’t be afraid of doing this with your expensive compression clothing.

2. Toss Out the Fabric Softener – I know this seems illogical because your fabric softener does such a great job making all your other clothes smell better, BUT it is one of the biggest offenders on multiple levels when it comes to work out clothes. First off, the fabric softener leaves a small coating all over the fibers of your clothes which only traps the smells and oils even more. Secondly, fabric softener KILLS the elasticity of your favorite, mega-expensive running tights. Any workout gear that own that has stretch or support will slowly be ruined with fabric softener. Instead, just use some white vinegar in your fabric softener dispenser. It is a natural softener and as mentioned above, does a great job removing stink instead of trapping it, without damaging the elasticity and hold of your clothes.

3. Toss Out Your Dryer – Again, this one is a multiple offender. The heat of your dryer does nothing good for expensive work out gear. Nothing! The heat ruins the stretch and support of performance gear and shrinks your favorite Nike running shirt that you paid way too much for. The best drying solution for exercise gear? A good old fashioned outdoor clothing line provides the air drying your clothes need without any damage to the fibers, plus the direct sunlight will help kill any lingering odors from your last yoga class.

4. Supplement Your Washing Detergent – For myself, my sweat is killer enough that every few months, I have to break out my strongest anti-stink weapon, 2Toms Stink Free Detergent. I don’t use this on a regular basis because it is a bit pricey and the above mentioned options work for me most weeks. There are quite a few different brands of sports laundry detergent but this one just happens to be the one that works best for me. 5. Wash Your Exercise Clothes Separately – This may not seem important, but I have ruined some expensive gear washing it with other clothes. When you only have your workout clothes in a load, you can be sure that all the above mentioned items are done correctly and no zippers or buttons from other clothes are going to snag your expensive running tights. You can always do this by hand as well if you don’t want to run a small load in your large washer.

Follow Carole from My Kitchen Escapades on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook!

**My friend, this post contains Amazon affiliate links which means I receive a small compensation, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase using my link. If you decide to give these products a try, I will be your bestie if you would use the links from this post. And no worries…. I only link to products that I both use and love! ~Carole

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I don’t know about you… but, I never have enough cute organizers for my school office or my craft supplies. This little handy Mason Jar Caddy is really easy to make and is super handy, so let’s get started!

Supplies Needed:

• Wood Caddy
• Chalk Paint in Two Contrasting Colors (only one needed if using Vinyl)
• Paint Brush
• (4) small Mason Jars
• Cricut or Silhouette Machine, vinyl and transfer tape
• “Supplies” .png for cutpath or printing for hand transfer can be found HERE

Step 1: Paint the caddy using chalk paint and let it dry.

Step 2: Cut out the lettering using one of the cut machines and a piece of vinyl. Remove the letters and transfer to the caddy.

Step 3: If you don’t have a cutting machine, you can still print out the lettering and using the old pencil and tracing method, put the lettering onto the caddy and then paint it in by hand.

Step 4: Put the Mason Jars in the supply caddy and fill with all of your office or craft supplies.

This is just a fun project that really doesn’t take a lot of time or supplies. I can’t wait to put this in my office at school. It’s just a nice simple solution to help organize an office or craft room that doesn’t require a lot of time or money and the best part is, you can customize it in any way to show off a little bit of your personality.

Enjoy!

You can follow Artzy Creations on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google +.

DIY Sidewalk Chalk Pumpkins

DIY Sidewalk Chalk Pumpkins

Easy DIY Mummy Wreath

Easy DIY Mummy Wreath

The post Mason Jar Supply Caddy appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It is back-to-school time where I live and even though I don’t have any more children at home, back to school still  means back to a schedule, a routine and back to some semblance of order for me!

And order for me means organizing my pantry.  I have been married for 35 years and I have never had a pantry.  Until now.  One day recently I came home and a wall was knocked out and there was framing for a pantry.  Yeah, I have the best hubby ever.  Was I ever excited!

I immediately knew the first thing that I wanted to do.  I’ve seen quite a few of these Pantry Labels floating around on Pinterest and I love them!  I ran to IKEA to get these glass jars and then on to my computer to create my own labels because I wanted the words to be a little larger than what I saw on Pinterest.    If you download these Pantry Labels and want them smaller, just reduce the size when you copy them.

Do you know what else is popular right now?  GOLD.  Did I really apply gold foil to my pantry labels to make them even prettier?  Why yes.  Yes I did.

AND I LOVE THEM!   It is so hard to capture the foil brilliance of these labels with a camera but these turned out gorgeous.  But with all the pretty colors that Heidi Swapp has in her foils, you wouldn’t necessarily have to do gold.  Look at all of the options you have:

Can you imagine these beautiful colors in your pantry?

For my detailed tutorial on how to use the Minc Foil Applicator, click HERE.  In order for these labels to work with the foil, they must be printed on a laser printer and not an inkjet or bubblejet printer.  So I took my labels to FedEx/Kinko’s and copied my labels onto this clear sticker paper by Silhouette which I purchased from Amazon. I then applied the foil (instructions here), cut them out and they were ready to go.  Easy Peasy!  Applying the sticker to the glass jars is super simple and in no time, I had these beautiful jars.  In Gold.

{breathing a happy sigh..}

Here are the four pages that I made that are FREE to download.  Print them off and then RUN to your local craft store to pick up a Minc Applicator so that you can foil your labels too!  I know you want to.

Click to download my  Pantry Labels Pages 1-4

Thanks so much for stopping by today for a little gold and foil inspiration!

This awesome post has been shared with Whipperberry and Tatertots and Jello

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Learning how to use Yummly is easy! Here is a quick tutorial to get you stared.

Signing up For Yummly

Head on over to Yummly and create your account using the green box on the right of the site.

Sign up using your Facebook, Google or email account.

Be sure to fill out your profile – you can find it in the upper right hand corner. It will be a drop down box with your name on it. If you want a your photo to your profile you can fill out this form.

Bookmarklet

When you are done signing up you will want to install the Yummly bookmarklet on your browser. The bookmarklet can be found under the + in the upper right side of the site. If you want step by step instructions they can be found here.

How to Yum

Now you get to have fun! Whenever you are on a blog or website and you find a recipe you like, Yum the recipe by clicking on the Yum bookmarklet in your browser.

It will open a pop-up window that will add the recipe to your recipe box. It will tell you when it is done adding the recipe. you can then view the recipe and categorize by adding it to a collection of your choice.

Yummly Search

Yummly allows you to filter your results so you can find exactly what you want. Start by checking your diet preferences, allergies, favorite cuisines and your cooking skill level. Next make of list of ingredients/foods you do not like, this will exclude recipes with these ingredients in your search. You can also filter by holiday celebrations, nutrition, brands of ingredients, the source site of the recipe, cooking techniques, or how recently the recipe was added. Save your preferences and you are ready to go!Once you find your recipe, you will see links to the original recipe, nutritional information, taste rating, tags and more.

Join us on Yummly, we would love to have you add our recipes to your collection!

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I saw these fun little bud vases made from baby food jars over at Apples and Onions, and I started thinking about what I wanted to do with the multitude of baby food jars I currently go through.

I took the idea and ran with it. I started with these Beechnut baby food jars–I love the shape (and that there’s no rim you’re trying to scrape food out of when feeding your baby) so I cleaned and de-stickered three.

And instead of dipping, I added some washi tape in a spiral, and painted around the tape. Super simple.

Then the only thing left was to fill them! Since I’m using mine in the bathroom, I put in some cotton swabs, cotton balls, and a few tools we use often. Set them on a cute little mirror tray, and that’s it!

What would you make from baby food jars?

And don’t forget to come over to Mabey She Made It for more fun ideas like these:

Boxy Zipper Pouch Tutorial

Elements of the Perfect Sundress

Earth Watercolor Printable

This awesome post has been shared with Homestories A to Z and Whipperberry.

The post Upcycled Bathroom Organizers appeared first on TGIF - This Grandma is Fun.

It never fails.  Anytime we have someone staying with us, the poor things have to go out of their way and ask us, “What is the Wi-Fi,” password here?”

Not that I’m bothered by them asking at ALL, but I knew it was time to give ’em what they needed, and take out the trouble of them having to ask us.

So, when I saw an idea of how someone else displayed their Wi-Fi password, I knew it was something that I needed to do, like…PRONTO.  I originally found the idea on Pinterest, from Michelle, over at EleganceandEnchantment.  Lucky you, she even GIVES you the download  of her design, so you can edit your password in, and make it your own!

But, if you follow me over on Fantabulosity, you know I always seem to think I have to make “tweaks,” to something… so I did.  Although I love Michelle’s design, I wanted a little bit of a “nautical/modern,” theme to mine, to go with the rest of my guest room decor.

So where and how did I create mine?  I created it over on Canva.com.  Lucky lucky, they had super cute arrow images, that I was fond of, and just found a couple of fonts that I loved, and typed it all out.  It seriously only took me 5 minutes.  LOVE those types of DIY’s!

Other Wi-Fi password printables that I have seen, are usually framed in an 8×10.  For my guest room, I felt that size overpowered the room.  My guests aren’t there to just use the wi-fi, so I figured I’d let the other room decor stand out, rather than a big printable.    I chose to print it, and frame it in a 5×10.  I’m so glad that I did… it looks fabulous on my little night stand.

If you want to make your own, here’s a closer look of what I put in mine!

Again, I created mine on Canva.com, but if you just want a free printable go here.  Elegance and Enchantment has a cute design, but it won’t be the same size as mine unless you print it smaller!

Have fun creating!!!

Once again, I can’t thank the ladies here at MFP, for allowing me to hop over and share something with you all!

I hope you’ll hop on over to Fantabulosity to find more DIY projects, party ideas, fashion updates, and parenting mistakes that I create…. or give me a “follow” on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram, where I share a little more “behind the scenes” of Fantabulosity.

SOME OF MY MOST POPULAR RECIPES ARE:

Woodland Friends First Birthday Party

Lobster Bisque Recipe

How to Remove Chalk Marker

 This awesome post has been shared with Tatertots and Jello and Whipperberry

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So in the spirit of  David Letterman, here is our Top 10 Most Viewed Pins in 2014 starting with number 10:

10. Monkey Butter

9.  Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

8.  Cleaning BBQ Grills the Magic Way

7.  The Magic Way to Clean Your Windows

6.  Oven Cleaning the Magic Way

5.  Cream Cheese Taquitos

4.  8 Amazing Breakfast Recipes for Christmas Morning

3.  Two Two Easy Peach Cobbler

2.  How to Clean Your Brush in Minutes

And…..drum roll please…..the number one most viewed pin for the year 2014 was……..

1.  Million Dollar Spaghetti

We hope that you enjoy our best of the best and we’ll see you next year in 2015!!

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With the new year literally days away, I’ve been thinking about some of my New Year’s resolutions. Getting organized is a big one for me. If there’s anything that blogging has taught me, it’s that you need to be organized in order to be successful. So that is my main goal for 2015.

To get a jump start on my goal I decided to figure out a way to organize all of those little bits and bobs that seem to get lost in all of the drawers, cracks of the couch, the “I’ll put this away later” basket, etc. You know? Things like rubber bands, paper clips and the like.

While I was perusing Pinterest for organization ideas, this awesome spice rack organizer idea jumped out at me and I instantly knew that I had to recreate it. I just so happened to have a similar spice rack taking up unnecessary space in my kitchen cabinet. I’m sure the same idea could be replicated with any spice rack and some empty spice bottles.

Materials:

• Spice rack and empty bottles
• Chalkboard paint
• Chalk, chalk marker or paint pen

Instructions:

My spice rack and bottles were already cleaned out but you will definitely want to make sure yours are 100% clean before placing any items in the bottles. Unless, of course, you are going for the Thanksgiving turkey scented office supply vibe.

Then I peeled the labels off the bottles, removed the sticker residue with Goo Gone and washed & thoroughly dried everything. Next it was time to spray paint the lids. I used black chalkboard spray paint (Valspar) and applied three even coats.

After they were dry, I seasoned the tops of the lids so that my first writings/markings wouldn’t be permanently scratched into the surface. To do that I gently rubbed a piece of chalk, long side down, over the entire lid surface, then erased the chalk dust.

Time to fill my bottles! I tried to grab those items that have large quantities, are small, and like to get lost easily. I filled mine with binder clips, clothes pins, rubber bands, chalk, paper clips, staples, tacks, glue sticks and the round stickers that reinforce paper hole punches.

I labeled my jar lids with a piece of chalk because that’s what I had on hand, but you could use a chalk pen or even a paint pen to make things more permanent.

I love that not only is this great for corralling all of those tiny items in one place, but that it easily transports from a craft cabinet to your desk. You could even fill it with homework supplies for the kiddos.

Thanks again for having me over at MFP! I am always thrilled to be here hanging out with you all and these three awesome ladies! I hope everyone has a wonderful day and I will see in the new year! Until then, you can take a peek at some of my other DIYs and craft projects over at Little Red Brick House.

Thanks so much Sarah for this darling Organizer Caddy.  Getting organized next year is definitely a goal of mine and this will help immensely!

This awesome post has been shared with Home Stories A to Z and Whipperberry

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How many times have you been in the situation of wondering what gift to get for a loved one? Stumped because you need a gift for a co-worker at the office? You finally whittle your options down to two choices, but can’t decide which one would make the perfect gift? How many of you are like me and have a husband who is almost impossible to surprise? Do you have a friend or family member whose tastes are so unique or particular you have absolutely no idea where to begin? Have you ever watched someones face closely when they open a gift you purchased for them hoping the will like it? How many times have you received a well intended gift, acted excited about it while thinking to yourself “what am I going to do with this”? I have one word that solves ALL your gift giving needs……Gifster!

Giftster doesn’t just make purchasing presents quick and easy, it makes it FUN! Let’s be honest it’s just as much fun receiving the perfect gift as it is giving one. Visit Giftster, make your dream gift list and then send it to your family and besties so they know you want that paisley infinity scarf in red not blue!

Giftster is the leading website and phone app for making your gift lists. They even made signing up quick and easy, it’s takes about two minutes to sign up and get your list going. Hmm…did I mention it’s FREE?

Once your lists are complete, it’s easy to share them. Your gift buyers will see the exact item you want, in the right size, color and dimensions. 

Giftster’s platform is available for computers, tablets and smartphones.

Seriously how much easier can this get, their phone interface is so user friendly you can purchase a gift while waiting in line at the grocery store!

Giftster isn’t just for the Christmas season, it’s a lifetime registry where you can give and receive gifts that you will use and love for years to come. No more returns! Use if for birthdays, weddings, Valentines Day, anniversaries, baby showers or just because.

Make life easier for you and your loved ones, head on over to Gifster.com and get stared today because…..

Giftster totally ROCKS!

This post has been sponsored be the wonderful folks at Giftster, all opinions are 100% mine.

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What would you say if I told you I think Stop the Stink Spray is a lot like Luna Lovegood? I am not kidding. Luna Lovegood is my favorite Harry Potter character. She became my favorite after I was offended by a Facebook quiz that professed to tell me which Harry Potter character I was most like, and it revealed I am most like Luna Lovegood. The ditz. The crazy girl. The nut job. I do have a sort of ditzlike quality to my personality. Gotta admit it. I also have to admit I was hoping for Hermione Granger. I love books. I love school. Then when my daughter was off from school for a long weekend and had settled in for a Harry Potter movie marathon, I reevaluated Luna Lovegood. Luna loves books. Luna loves school. Luna is a Ravenclaw! Ravenclaws are known for being clever, but eccentric.

My opinion for Luna started to change when she was the one to turn the group’s opinion when the students met in Hogsmeade to discuss the possibility of Harry training them in the Defense Against the Dark Arts by asking, “Is it true that you can produce a patronus?”. Clever girl. And again when she was the one to figure out who could help Harry find the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw. I noticed that Luna is brave and loyal. She is forgiving when someone plays a prank and hides her shoes, and optimistic about finding them. So she is s a little bit crazy. She is crazy smart!

After watching the oh so funny Poo Pourri commercial, one has to wonder if it really works. A spritz from a little bottle on the surface of water in your toilet that can trap that nasty smell? Really? Could it be better than running the bathroom fan and a little spray of air freshener? I am here to tell you, it can! Would you call me crazy if I told you it is easy to make at home, and works just as well? Not kidding! This is as simple as going Number 2! So if you call me crazy, that’s okay! Because just like Luna, this stuff is crazy smart! Here is a little tip from our household testers. Say you forgot to “pre poo” spray. A little spritz in the bowl after the fact works well too!

Here is what you will need to make your own Stop the Stink Spray:

a small spray bottle – found with travel supplies

water

20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils

In looking around at the various recipes of Stop the Stink Spray, there are some variations. Some call for rubbing alcohol, denatured alcohol, distilled water or glycerine. I found they all worked about the same. So I am keeping it simple.

Just combine the ingredients in a bottle, shake and spray as needed. It’s that easy! The oils do rise to the top, so just give it a shake to recombine before spraying.

The classic combination seems to be lemongrass, grapefruit and bergamot. I used these in equal proportions. This is what we started with. But after experimenting, really any essential oil on its own or in combination that you find pleasing works as well as the original. You can easily create holiday scents for gift giving. Think stocking stuffers. And carrying a small bottle in your purse can help you avoid embarrassing social situations during this holiday season!

This pin from Happy Money Saver rocks because it is crazy smart like Luna!

This awesome post has been shared with: Living Well Spending Less and Whipperberry

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That being said, we have got an AMAZING round up for you – 50 Homemade Christmas Ideas! We have chosen what we think are FIVE great IDEAS in each of the following 10 areas:

Free Printables, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Candy, Cookies, Desserts, Gift Tags, Advent Calendars, Gingerbread and Ornaments.

Go ahead and check these out!

FREE PRINTABLES

1. “I Believe” Free Printable by Insitefull Living

2.  Oh Holy Night by The Shabby Creek Cottage

3.  Grinch Printable from Happiness is Homemade

4.  Free Christmas Printables in Blue by Refresh Restyle

5.  Free Christmas Wall Art by On Sutton Place

DRUM ROLL PLEASE….AND NOW FOR THE COOKIES!

6.  White Chocolate Cranberry Blondies by Made From Pinterest

7.  Candy Cane Blossoms from Baked Perfection

8.  Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies by Sally’s Baking Addiction

9.  Melting Snowman Cookies by Made From Pinterest

10.  Homemade Samoa Cookies by Just a Taste

For Christmas Ideas 11-20 – Candy and Free Gift Tags, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 21-30 – Main Dish and Side Dishes, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 31-40 – Advent Calendars and Ornaments, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 41-50 – Gingerbread and Desserts, click here.

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MAIN DISH

21.  Sweet Brown Sugar Baked Ham by Made From Pinterest

22.  Mayonnaise Roasted Turkey by She Wears Many Hats

23.  Soy Sauce Brown Sugar Salmon Marinade by Made From Pinterest

24.  Fool Proof Prime Rib by One Good Thing by Jillee

25.  Restaurant Steak by Made From Pinterest

And now to choose a Side Dish!

26.  Lipton Onion Potatoes by Made From Pinterest

27.  Turkey Stuffing by Center Cut Cook

28. Five Ingredient Corn Casserole by Made From Pinterest

29.  Traditional Green Bean Casserole by Cincy Shopper

30.  Cold Rice Salad by Made From Pinterest

For Christmas Ideas 1 thru 10, Free Printables and Cookies,  click here.

For Christmas Ideas 11-20 – Candy and Gift Tags, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 31-40 – Advent Calendars and Ornaments, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 41-50 – Gingerbread and Desserts, click here.

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CANDY

11.  Homemade Caramels by Tastes Better From Scratch

12.  English Toffee by Made From Pinterest

13.  Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Candy by Jen’s Journey

14.  Salted Chocolate Caramel Clusters by Made From Pinterest

15. Christmas Fudge by Made From Pinterest

FREE GIFT TAGS

16.  Chalkboard Gift Tags by World Label

17.  Retro Gift Tags by Simple As That

18.  Calligraphy Gift Tags by Chic Type

19.  Santa Suit Gift Tags by The Cottage Market

20.  Woodland Gift Tags by Lia Griffith

For Christmas Ideas 1 thru 10, Free Printables and Cookies,  click here.

For Christmas Ideas 21-30 – Main Dishes and Side Dishes, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 31-40 – Advent Calendars and Ornaments, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 41-50 – Gingerbread and Desserts,  click here.

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ADVENT CALENDARS

31.  Countdown to Christmas by The Sweet Life

32.  Bible Scripture Reading Countdown by The 36th Avenue

33.  Advent Jar by Mess for Less

34.  Nativity Advent Calendar  by The Craft Patch

35.  Advent Calendar Tutorial by The Crafty Crow

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

36.  Ribbon Tree Ornament by All Free Kids Crafts

37.  Coastal Christmas Ornament by Made From Pinterest

38.  Glitter Twine Ball Ornament by Thinking Closet

39.  Hot Cocoa Mix Ornaments by Made From Pinterest

40.  Rolled Paper Tree Ornament by Her Tool Belt

For Christmas Ideas 1 thru 10 – Free Printables and Cookies,  click here.

For Christmas Ideas 11-20 – Main Dish and Side Dishes, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 21-30 – Candy and Gift  Tags, click here.

For Christmas Ideas 41-50 – Gingerbread and Desserts, click here.

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Hi Everyone! This is Melanie again from Artzy Creations and I’m excited to share with you today a fun craft for Halloween. These Halloween Gift Tags are a fun addition to any gift you might be giving for Halloween. These DIY Halloween Tags are great for wrapped presents, gift bags, even little bags of candy. One of the great things about this project too is that you can get the kids involved. They will love to make these for Halloween!

Here’s What You Need:

• Air Clay
• Rolling Pin
• Minature Halloween Cookie Cutters (I used Wilton.)
• Skewer
• Craft Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Hot Glue Gun
• Glue Sticks
• Googley Eyes
• Bakers Twine

Step 1: Roll out the air clay to a 1/4″ thickness. Take the various cookie cutters and cut out the desired amount of tags that you will need. Make a hole with the skewer. Let these dry for about 48 hours.

Step 2: Paint the tags with craft paint and let dry.

Step 3: Apply the googley eyes.

Simple, fun, and easy to do! The best part is you can also use these tags to make necklaces. My youngest daughter asked me if she could have the pumpkin for a necklace and I thought that was a wonderful idea.

The bat and cat turned out just as cute! You could also paint mouths on them if you wanted too.

This bag is going to be for Emma’s teacher this year. We filled it with lots of yummy chocolate goodness since she’s a big chocolate fan.

This milk bottle will be for Lily’s teacher. Lily LOVES candy corn so she really wants to give her teacher candy corn this year. I just hope her teacher likes candy corn.

This would also make great ornaments if you had one of those spooky black trees. I think I might have to hunt one of those down and hang my extra Halloween tags on it because they would be perfect for that. Here’s to creating some Halloween fun.

A big thank you to the awesome three sisters for having me again on Made From Pinterest.

Till next time!

You can follow Artzy Creations on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Google +.

Check out this fun project too!

Duct Tape Halloween Bag

The Duct Tape Halloween Bag

This awesome project has been shared with The 36th Avenue and Whipperberry

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I have learned lots of things from Pinterest since we started Made From Pinterest. This is the trick that people are most impressed with! This is the one that gets used most often. It’s just a little thing, that makes a big difference.

It’s down right life changing! Instead of having to pull out a bowl for the chips, saving the bag, and trying to get the leftover chips back into the bag, and washing the bowl, make a chip bowl out of the bag itself! Easy clean up, and when you are done, you can use the No Clip Chip Bag Flip to secure your leftover chips. You will be an easy entertaining rock star!

To get started fold down the top edge of your bag a few inches to the inside. This is just for aesthetics and is not functional in any way. So if you don’t care if the rough edges of your bag will be showing at the top, you can skip this step. Another option is to roll the bag a few times to the outside and create a “cuff”.

Next, poke the corners of the bag in. This will make it so the bag will stand up on the table without falling over.As you continue rolling the chips will get pushed to the top of the bag. When the chips get to the top, stop rolling. It’s that easy! As people eat the chips and the chips get lower, just roll the bag up from the bottom some more and you will be all set!
Enjoy doing a little less work at your next party!

This pin rocks!Make life really easy and learn the No Clip Chip Bag Flip!

We shared this post with: Home Stories A to Z, Whipperberry, and Tatertots and Jello

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