Tori's Tips & Tricks

Quick Tips

2011-09-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some quick tips I've put together:

-Refill plugins or wallflowers with essential or fragrance oil.

-Use a rubber band to remove a stripped screw.

-Use bulldog clips for cord control.

-Store knives upside down in a knife block to avoid dulling the blades.

-Use WD-40 to remove crayon marks from just about any surface.

-Mix 1 tsp dishwashing soap (not detergent), 1 tsp cooking oil and 1 qt. water in a spray bottle for a safe, natural way to kill ants without harming children or pets.

-Rub a piece of chalk onto greasy stains - the chalk powder will absorb the grease, making the stain easily removable in the wash.

-Use plastic eggs as snack containers.

-Pour a packet of lemonaid Kool-Aid (the only flavor that works) into the detergent cup of an empty dishwasher and run to clean lime deposit and iron stains (the citric acid cleans the inside).

-To freshen your drain, pour 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt down the drain, follow with 1 cup heated vinegar down the drain (it will foam and bubble. Let sit for 15 minutes, then run hot tap water for 30 to 60 seconds.

-To clean the microwave, heat a bowl of water and vinegar for 5 minutes. The steam will dissolve stuck-on stains. Simply wipe off.

-To clean a mattress, mix well 1 cup baking soda with 4 drops essential oil (lavender works well). Using a kitchen strainer, sprinkle the mixture over the whole mattress and let sit for an hour or longer. Using the vacuum hose, thoroughly vacuum the entire mattress. This will get rid of dust mites and leave the mattress smelling fresh and clean.

Green Rum Punch

2011-08-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

I got this recipe from my cousin and it is DIVINE and so easy to make!! It has alcohol in it, but you really can't taste it. You can also make it without alcohol. This recipe makes enough for about 10 people.

INGREDIENTS:
For Freezer:
2 pkg. Blueberry gelatin (dissolve per package instructions)
1 cup Cold water
1 qt. (large can) Pineapple juice
1 1/2 qt. Sunny Delight Citrus
8 oz. Real Lemon juice
2 cups Sugar (you can use less if you don't want it to be as sweet)

For Serving:
1 L Ginger Ale
1 L Lemon-Lime soda
375 mL Bacardi light rum
2 or 3 Types of citrus fruits (and 2 or 3 of each type) - lemons, limes, oranges, etc.
Liquor (whiskey) to marinate fruit in

3 to 24 Hours Prior to Serving:
Slice up citrus fruit; pour liquor (whiskey) to cover bottom of container; cover fruit with liquor and place in refrigerator

DIRECTIONS:
To Freeze:
1. Dissolve packages of blueberry gelatin according to package directions.
2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
3. Stir in water, pineapple and lemon juice, and Sunny Delight.
4. Freeze.

3 to 4 Hours prior to serving, remove from freezer and thaw until slushy.

Serving:
5. Stir in ginger ale and lemon-lime soda.
6. Stir in rum.
7. Pour into punch bowl.
8. Float fruit (pour excess marinate into punch).
9. Add ice as needed.

Enjoy and please drink responsibly!

Make Your Own Febreze

2011-08-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a simple way to make your own Febreze for just $0.15 a bottle! You'll need:

32 oz. spray bottle
1/8 cup of your favorite fabric softener
2 Tbsp. baking soda
Hot tap water-to fill the bottle to the top

Just shake and spray! It's from Fake-It-Frugal.

Comfort Meatballs

2011-08-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

These are so good and easy to make. The recipe comes from The Pioneer Woman.

Meatballs:

1 1/2 lb ground beef

3/4 cup quick oats

1 cup milk

3 Tbsp very finely minced onion

1 1/2 tsp salt

Plenty of ground black pepper

4 Tbsp canola oil

1/2 cup flour

Sauce:

1 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp sugar

3 Tbsp distilled white vinegar

2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

4 to 6 Tbsp minced onion

Dash of Tobasco

1. Meatballs: In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats. Pour in the milk, then add the onion and salt. Add the black pepper, then stir to combine. Roll the mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate them for 30 to 45 minutes.

2. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Spread the flour on a plate. Dredge the meatballs in the flour, then brown them in batches until light brown. As they brown, place them in a rectangular baking dish.

3. Sauce: Stir the ingredients and drizzle over the meatballs.

4. Bake for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Serves 8

Make Your Own Scented Room Spray

2011-08-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

Tutorial here. It's from Under the Table and Dreaming.

Dixie Cup Garland

2011-08-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this incredibly cute and super easy to make Dixie cup garland from Hey Gorgeous. Directions here.

Mod Podge + Fabric = Beautiful Barstools

2011-08-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Makeover your boring barstools using this easy tutorial from The Crafting Chicks.

J & J Candles - The Best!

2011-08-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have to give a shout-out to my favorite candle company, J & J Candles! They have a large variety of candles to choose from, including scent types from Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works. My personal favorites are Butt Naked (funny name, I know, but it smells divine!) and Peach Pomegranate. I always get compliments from guests when I burn them at home. Not only does J & J have the best smelling candles around, but they also do fundraising.

This Is Made From Toilet Paper Rolls? Really?

2011-08-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

I had to do a double-take when I read this! These intricate, faux metal sculptures in the picture are made from toilet paper rolls? Really? While I can't honestly say I'll be attempting this crafty eye candy any time in the near future, I've posted the instructions from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom here because I think it's a way-cool art project for someone who has the time and talent (not to mention toilet paper rolls).

Make Your Own Hydrangea Wreath

2011-08-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

This silk hydrangea wreath would make a beautiful addition to any wall, mirror or door. V and Co. has easy step-by-step instructions here.

Blob Lights

2011-08-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

This "bright" idea takes only seconds to make and is so easy the kids can help! The directions are here.

It's from the website Family Chic.

FREE Old Navy Jeans!

2011-08-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

I got a coupon in the mail today for 2 FREE Old Navy jeans of my choice (one pair for me and one for a friend). How did I get this, you ask? I simply participated in Crowdtap.com. Crowdtap is a survey website used by many reputable companies like Old Navy to gather valuable information from consumers. It also allows you to sample and keep their products, like the jeans. The only requirement is that you write them a short report telling them what you liked and didn't like about their product. It's that easy. Not bad for free clothes!

Beautiful Fabric and Photo Collage Frame

2011-08-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

This is a quick, inexpensive way to instantly brighten up any room! Simply choose some fabric scraps that go along with the color scheme and feel of the room and mix them with some black and white family photos for a stylish and fun focal point. It's from The Brassy Apple.

BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS

2011-07-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

It's back to school time! Here are loads of creative ideas and activities from one of my favorite tip sites (TipJunkie.com) to get you and your child ready to head back to school.

Make Wall Art Using Scrapbook Paper

2011-07-14T06:32:00.000-07:00

How smart! This idea comes from A Pop Of Pretty.

Directions here.

Snickers Salad

2011-07-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

This recipe is from one of my favorite tip sites, TipJunkie.com

You'll need:

6 Granny Smith apples

8 regular sized Snickers bars

1 container Cool Whip

1 small package instant vanilla pudding

Chop apples into bite-sized pieces (you can leave the skin on). Chop candy bars into bite-sized pieces (this may be easier if you chill them in the fridge first). Mix together the defrosted Cool Whip with the pudding mix, then add the chopped candy and apples. Make within a few hours of serving (this can keep for a couple of days in the fridge, although the "sauce" gets a little watery and is not pretty!).

This is great for a shower or potluck dinner!

Printable Summer Of Fun Kit

2011-07-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hey moms! Here's a great way to organize your summer fun! It's from pluckymomo.

107 Best Websites On The Web

2011-07-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is according to makeuseof.com.

http://www.makeuseof.com/pages/best-websites

Fried Kool Aid?

2011-06-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

I just read this article. What do you think? I'm posting the recipe I found here.

-Vegetable oil (for frying)

-1/4 to 1/2 cup Kool Aid (any flavor)

-3 eggs

-1/4 cup sugar (Want it sweeter? Add more.)

-1/2 tsp salt

-2 tsp baking powder

-2 cups milk

-3 2/3 cup flour

Optional:

-1 tsp cinnamon

-1 tsp dark chocolate (melted)

-1 tsp honey

Make the batter by beating the eggs and sugar together. Gradually add the milk and dry ingredients, including any optional ones. Cook in hot vegetable oil until golden brown (a few minutes, depending on heat). Cool in tray for a few minutes. Enjoy!

CAKE POPS!!!

2011-06-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

I love these things! I get one from Starbucks every time I go. I found this easy recipe from Rated by Mom.

Recipe here:

http://www.ratedbymom.com/2011/04/diy-cake-pop-recipe/

Company not found

Crazy Mama Creations

2011-06-17T23:38:00.001-07:00

My insanely gifted sister has started Crazy Mama Creations. Business seems to be going well, but I thought I'd give her a shout-out anyways because her washers are just too dang cute! She will custom make whatever you dream up, and they make great gift ideas!

Cute bulletin board

2011-06-17T23:21:00.000-07:00

I love Pottery Barn's bulletin boards but can't afford to pay $200. I found this idea that works just as well! This is from Sand & Sisal.

Instructions here:

http://www.sandandsisal.com/2011/03/how-to-make-your-own-pottery-barn-teen.html

Precious picture that's easy to make

2011-06-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

I came across this idea from TipJunkie.com and I thought it looked easy and brilliant! The instructions are listed here:

http://go.tipjunkie.com/md/247/sweetgrace.typepad.com/the_inadvertent_farmer/2009/12/easy-photo-project-valentines-mothers-day-birthday.html

I'm back!!!

2011-06-17T23:02:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's been awhile since my last attempt at blogging. I don't have much to say right now, but I've decided to post ideas and other things that have caught my eye