My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends, magazines, blogs, etc.
Before you start the dishwasher, run your sink faucet until hot water is coming out. Then push the DW start button. If you do this, the DW will pull in hot water immediately. If you don't, it pulls in cold water and uses its heating element to warm it up. That heating element is less efficient than your hot water heater, so you are wasting energy. Probably not a ton of energy for each cycle, but over time, it adds up!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
A tip on Tuesday
My
friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
Use a lint roller designed for clothes to clean your lamp shades. Much better than a dusting cloth, which just seems to make it worse.
Use a lint roller designed for clothes to clean your lamp shades. Much better than a dusting cloth, which just seems to make it worse.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Insulation!
Look at all that (incredibly expensive) spray foam! We will super warm now!
Next steps: windows and drywall. It's coming together!
Next steps: windows and drywall. It's coming together!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A tip on Tuesday
My
friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
If you are making cookies, freeze some of the balls of dough on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You will always have a dessert to take to a friend's house for dinner. Or if you are having a bad day, just eat the dough!
My go-to recipe is here.
http://lifewithoutchocolate.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/oatmeal-cookies/
If you are making cookies, freeze some of the balls of dough on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. You will always have a dessert to take to a friend's house for dinner. Or if you are having a bad day, just eat the dough!
My go-to recipe is here.
http://lifewithoutchocolate.wordpress.com/2013/03/03/oatmeal-cookies/
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Menu Plan
Kevin went to an out-of-town curling tournament at the last minute, so some of last week's plan got shifted to this week. While he was gone, I ate lots of cheese!
Here is our menu plan for the week:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Crockpot Bolognese
Tuesday: Smitten Kitchen Book Signing at Mpls Central Library
Wednesday: Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Thursday: Curried Cream of Tomato Soup with Chickpeas and Spinach
Friday: Pasta with toasted breadcrumbs and anchovies
Saturday: Icehouse with the Stockmans
Here is our menu plan for the week:
Sunday: Roast Chicken
Monday: Crockpot Bolognese
Tuesday: Smitten Kitchen Book Signing at Mpls Central Library
Wednesday: Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
Thursday: Curried Cream of Tomato Soup with Chickpeas and Spinach
Friday: Pasta with toasted breadcrumbs and anchovies
Saturday: Icehouse with the Stockmans
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Menu Plan for the week
Here is our menu plan for the week:
Sunday: pot roast at the Callahans
Monday: Chicken with tarragon and quick-roasted garlic
Tuesday: IU-MN college hoops
Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs
Thursday: Shrimp and andouille pot pie
Friday: Pasta with toasted breadcrumbs and anchovies
Saturday: Roast chicken
So far, the pot roast and the chicken were delicious.
Sunday: pot roast at the Callahans
Monday: Chicken with tarragon and quick-roasted garlic
Tuesday: IU-MN college hoops
Wednesday: Spaghetti and meatballs
Thursday: Shrimp and andouille pot pie
Friday: Pasta with toasted breadcrumbs and anchovies
Saturday: Roast chicken
So far, the pot roast and the chicken were delicious.
A tip on Tuesday
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends, magazines, blogs, etc.
After you shower, throw on an old t-shirt. This will keep your regular clothes from getting wet due to your wet hair. While you are drying your hair, all the hair you shed will fall on this shirt instead of the shirt you are actually going to wear out in public. This way you don't spend the morning picking strands of hair off your clothes or with a damp collar.
After you shower, throw on an old t-shirt. This will keep your regular clothes from getting wet due to your wet hair. While you are drying your hair, all the hair you shed will fall on this shirt instead of the shirt you are actually going to wear out in public. This way you don't spend the morning picking strands of hair off your clothes or with a damp collar.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013
A tip on Tuesday
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
If you own a heating pad, stick it between your sheets while you are getting ready for bed. You will climb into a nice warm bed instead of a freezing cold one. Kevin thought I was a genius when I showed him this.
If you own a heating pad, stick it between your sheets while you are getting ready for bed. You will climb into a nice warm bed instead of a freezing cold one. Kevin thought I was a genius when I showed him this.
Monday, February 18, 2013
We have a dormer!
Look at that!
There is where our shower and our toilet will be!
And we have walls!
Finally some exciting progress!
Menu Plan for the week
Here is our menu plan for the week:
Sunday: chili and cornbread
Monday: spinach gnocchi
Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (Kevin), wine and cheese at Book Club (me)
Wednesday: Pork Chops, quinoa with kale and sweet potatoes
Thursday: Charity event
Friday: Lenten Fish Fry
Saturday: 112 Eatery (my favorite restaurant!) with friends
So far, the chili was successful.
Sunday: chili and cornbread
Monday: spinach gnocchi
Tuesday: Breakfast for dinner (Kevin), wine and cheese at Book Club (me)
Wednesday: Pork Chops, quinoa with kale and sweet potatoes
Thursday: Charity event
Friday: Lenten Fish Fry
Saturday: 112 Eatery (my favorite restaurant!) with friends
So far, the chili was successful.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Attic Progress
On the first day they made a mess
By day 6, it's still a mess, but they cleaned up some of the debris and started adding depth to the rafters so they can insulate. We also have the beginning of a wall in the bedroom! Hopefully there will be more exciting updates to come.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Lighting for the bathroom
We need to select sconces for our bathroom. There will be 2 individual mirrors, one above each sink with 3 sconces, 1 on each end and 1 in the middle. We are doing chrome faucets, but I am leaning towards brass sconces, mirrors and cabinet hardware for a little warmth.
This is the mirror I am thinking we will go with.
Here are the sconce options.
I love the crystal on this one, but the shade isn't my favorite, so I would probably swap it out with something like this.
Which one do you like?
This is the mirror I am thinking we will go with.
Here are the sconce options.
Which one do you like?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
A tip on Tuesday
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
If your shower is right behind your sink, open the curtain while you are drying your hair so you don't get hair all over your shower curtain.
If your shower is right behind your sink, open the curtain while you are drying your hair so you don't get hair all over your shower curtain.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
A tip on Tuesday!
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
Hang up or put away your clothes as soon as you take them off. It only takes 30 seconds and it makes such a difference when you are tired at 10pm, you just want to crawl into bed and you don't have to clean off the bed first!
Hang up or put away your clothes as soon as you take them off. It only takes 30 seconds and it makes such a difference when you are tired at 10pm, you just want to crawl into bed and you don't have to clean off the bed first!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Question: which faucet?
 |
| Sad Nameless Faucet |
|
| Portsmouth, low arc neck |
 |
| Portsmouth, high arc neck |
 |
| Brandywood |
Big decisions!
We start our attic renovation tomorrow at 7:30am! But we have some major decisions to make in the next few days. The first: which toilet!?! I want a concealed trapway (see how they all have smooth sides, you don't see the outline of the waste pipe nor is there a little shelf for hair and dust to collect on?), comfort height toilet.
The Studio: round bowl, I like that it is dual flush.
The Town Square: elongated bowl, I like the fancy business on the front of the base.
The Tropic: elongated bowl, one piece toilet. The internet says one piece is better because it is easier to keep clean. Not sure I care.
Which toilet do you prefer?
The Studio: round bowl, I like that it is dual flush.
The Town Square: elongated bowl, I like the fancy business on the front of the base.
The Tropic: elongated bowl, one piece toilet. The internet says one piece is better because it is easier to keep clean. Not sure I care.
Which toilet do you prefer?
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A tip on Tuesday!
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
Create a monthly chore list. On the first day of every month, there is an appointment on my calendar that reminds me to do monthly chores. I usually don't do them until the first weekend of the month, but it helps me keep on track with chores that don't have to be done every single week, but should be done on a regular basis. Here is my chore list:
Oil countertops
Polish wood floors
Clean make-up brushes
Clean coffee maker
Clean washer
Update net worth spreadsheet
Since it is January 29th, I will be doing all of these chores this weekend!
Create a monthly chore list. On the first day of every month, there is an appointment on my calendar that reminds me to do monthly chores. I usually don't do them until the first weekend of the month, but it helps me keep on track with chores that don't have to be done every single week, but should be done on a regular basis. Here is my chore list:
Oil countertops
Polish wood floors
Clean make-up brushes
Clean coffee maker
Clean washer
Update net worth spreadsheet
Since it is January 29th, I will be doing all of these chores this weekend!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A new pantry
After our wedding last year, we had quite a few awesome presents that needed a home. Our kitchen doesn't have a lot of storage, particularly for large items like a slow cooker, Griddler, and Kevin's favorites: the wok and the smoker. We had a rather gross closet off the laundry area of our basement that we decided to turn into a pantry. I don't have any before photos to share.
We lined the walls with heavy duty plastic as a vapor barrier, then rigid foam insulation sheets and finally beadboard sheets for the walls. Kevin also hung a grid and we added some fancy ceiling tiles and a colorful rug to finish the space. The storage are white adjustable brackets and melamine shelves from Lowes. It has really added a lot of storage and function.
Here is what we have stored in our new space!
Straight back is extra storage containers, extra food and our booze, small appliances and paper products and baking supplies.
On the left side is our board game stash, some books that are listed on paperbackswap.com, and athletic equipment like golf shoes and camelbaks, some of Kevin's beer brewing stuff, and entertaining supplies like our nice placemets and napkins and fancy wine glasses.
On the right side, we have vases, craft supplies and instruction manuals for the entire house, our huge rag pile and cleaning stuff like our steam cleaner and a whole box of car cleaning supplies on the bottom.
It's handy to have everything together. It's sometimes annoying to have to run down to the basement to get the rice cooker or a box of crackers, but our kitchen storage is limited.
We lined the walls with heavy duty plastic as a vapor barrier, then rigid foam insulation sheets and finally beadboard sheets for the walls. Kevin also hung a grid and we added some fancy ceiling tiles and a colorful rug to finish the space. The storage are white adjustable brackets and melamine shelves from Lowes. It has really added a lot of storage and function.
Here is what we have stored in our new space!
Straight back is extra storage containers, extra food and our booze, small appliances and paper products and baking supplies.
On the left side is our board game stash, some books that are listed on paperbackswap.com, and athletic equipment like golf shoes and camelbaks, some of Kevin's beer brewing stuff, and entertaining supplies like our nice placemets and napkins and fancy wine glasses.
On the right side, we have vases, craft supplies and instruction manuals for the entire house, our huge rag pile and cleaning stuff like our steam cleaner and a whole box of car cleaning supplies on the bottom.
It's handy to have everything together. It's sometimes annoying to have to run down to the basement to get the rice cooker or a box of crackers, but our kitchen storage is limited.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Oiling soapstone
I have soapstone countertops in my kitchen. I love them, they are so pretty! They have a matte finish and some really cool veining. They don't require a lot of maintenance, but you can oil them periodically if you want. It really changes the look.
Here is one section, not oiled. You can see that there are some lines in the stone where my dish drying tray recently sat. If you don't oil the counters, you can see water marks, although they fade after a little while (a few hours or so).
I use an old washcloth to spread a thin coat of mineral oil around the countertop, making sure to get the front edge.
This is the countertop immediately after I oiled it. It's nice and shiny and the watermarks are gone. But it's a little too oily/shiny for me. So I take a clean washcloth and buff all of the countertops after I oil them. And this is how they end up.
A nice warm glow, but still a matte finish. I do this about once a month, which minimizes any temporary water marks (unless my husband has been brewing beer, then there is water EVERYWHERE). It only takes about 10 minutes, not a lot of effort for something that I love so much!
Here is one section, not oiled. You can see that there are some lines in the stone where my dish drying tray recently sat. If you don't oil the counters, you can see water marks, although they fade after a little while (a few hours or so).
I use an old washcloth to spread a thin coat of mineral oil around the countertop, making sure to get the front edge.
This is the countertop immediately after I oiled it. It's nice and shiny and the watermarks are gone. But it's a little too oily/shiny for me. So I take a clean washcloth and buff all of the countertops after I oil them. And this is how they end up.
A nice warm glow, but still a matte finish. I do this about once a month, which minimizes any temporary water marks (unless my husband has been brewing beer, then there is water EVERYWHERE). It only takes about 10 minutes, not a lot of effort for something that I love so much!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A tip on Tuesday!
My friend Tammy (http://tam-sense.blogspot.com/) says I have lots of
awesome ideas and tips on how to make life easier/more efficient. I
thought I would share some of them here. I did not come up with any of
these, they have been picked up along the way from my family, friends,
magazines, blogs, etc.
Plan your menu out each week. I know this is not a revolutionary idea, but it makes life so much easier. I used to my favorite phone app To-Do (a post for another day) but I recently switched to a Google calendar. I created a separate one for my Menu Plan and I share it with Kevin (although I think he ignores it). I am really liking this method because it helps me track how recently we had tacos or chicken pot pie or grilled cheese, to make sure I keep mixing things up. Certain spouses get cranky when we eat the same thing too often. I usually plan 4-5 meals for a week and then leave a couple of nights open for leftovers, going out or throwing together something last minute. Which is usually pasta or grilled cheese! I take a fridge/freezer/pantry inventory on Saturday or Sunday to see if there is anything that needs to be used up and then I create my plan for the week.
Here is the plan for this week:
Monday: Pork Tingas (America's Test Kitchen)
Tuesday: Book Club (which means lots and lots of cheese!)
Wednesday: Spaghetti Carbonara
Thursday: meeting for charity event
Friday: Chickpea Stew
Saturday: French Onion Soup
Sunday: Devil's Chicken Thighs
Plan your menu out each week. I know this is not a revolutionary idea, but it makes life so much easier. I used to my favorite phone app To-Do (a post for another day) but I recently switched to a Google calendar. I created a separate one for my Menu Plan and I share it with Kevin (although I think he ignores it). I am really liking this method because it helps me track how recently we had tacos or chicken pot pie or grilled cheese, to make sure I keep mixing things up. Certain spouses get cranky when we eat the same thing too often. I usually plan 4-5 meals for a week and then leave a couple of nights open for leftovers, going out or throwing together something last minute. Which is usually pasta or grilled cheese! I take a fridge/freezer/pantry inventory on Saturday or Sunday to see if there is anything that needs to be used up and then I create my plan for the week.
Here is the plan for this week:
Monday: Pork Tingas (America's Test Kitchen)
Tuesday: Book Club (which means lots and lots of cheese!)
Wednesday: Spaghetti Carbonara
Thursday: meeting for charity event
Friday: Chickpea Stew
Saturday: French Onion Soup
Sunday: Devil's Chicken Thighs
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Help me understand why I'm not doing this right now?
The high temp tomorrow is -2. That is ridiculous.
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