Tip of the Day #67: Summer Months w Kids

With the summer months upon us, it is especially important that children continue to stretch their minds and learn. Make a 'Summer Challenge' calendar with a different activity each day for your kiddos to do--they do not have to be difficult, but it allows for your child to think and be proud of their accomplishments! Once they complete the task, have them put a stick over the activity! As you can see, my daughter likes to do more than one a day! Lol

Tip of the Day #66: Fresh Bathrooms!

Fill your bathroom with an everlasting, fresh aroma! Simply place a few drops of essential oil (I use Lemongrass scent) onto the cardboard tube of your toilet paper roll--your bathroom will smell amazing until the roll is complete and you begin again! :)

Tip of the Day #65: Hair Conditioner as Shaving Cream

Have you ever purchased a bottle of conditioner you did not care for? Instead of wasting it, use it in place of shaving cream. It works even better and will last a lot longer than shaving cream as you only need a little bit at a time! :)

Tip of the Day #64: Fixing Dull Leather

Brighten dulled leather chairs by rubbing with half a lemon or stale beer then polish with a dry cloth.

Tip of the Day #63: Preventing clothes from Bleeding

To prevent new or coloured clothes from 'bleeding,' soak in salty water for half an hour. The salty water helps the dye "set," which keeps it on your clothes instead of in the wash water. Also, soften your water with white vinegar. Hard water transfers colors in the wash more easily, but it is easy to soften the water with 1/2 cup of vinegar every time you wash.

Tip of the Day #62: Egg Substitution in Baking

Did you know you can substitute eggs in a cake mix recipe for a CAN OF SODA?! They are even more moist and delicious than the original recipe! :) Make sure to match the colour of the pop with the batter--ie. coke for chocolate, gingerale for white, etc.

Tip of the Day #61: DIY Air Freshner Refills

Save money by refilling your plug-in air freshners! Simply take the 'wick' part (hard sponge-like stopper) and fill halfway with your favourite essential oil, then fill the rest with water.

Tip of the Day #60: Paint Can Tip

Planning on renovating? Here's a tip when painting: Wrap a rubber band over the top of the open can and down under the bottom to secure it--this way, when there is excess paint on the brush, just rub it against the rubber band instead of making a big mess on the paint can!

Talk about RE-USING a product!!

I LOVE this and just had to share on my blog! Could be used for so many different things!

Tip of the Day #59: REPAIRING SCRATCHED DVDS & CDS

Scratched dvds and cds lying around your house? The best solution to repairing them is CHILDREN'S TOOTHPASTE! Normal toothpaste is too abrasive. Simply dab a few spots on, spread it to cover the entire area, then with your finger, rub in circular motions around the whole disc. Wipe off with a dry rag in circular motions again. This works on even the worst of scratches!

Tip of the Day #58: Mold Remover

Mold creeping up inside your home? Dip a scrubber sponge/brush in a bucket filled with a solution of 1/2 cup chlorine bleach, 1/2 cup powder laundry detergent and 1 gallon of water--then scrub the affected areas. Remember to rinse well afterwards with fresh water :)

Tip of the Day #56: Freshen Towels

Wash your towels with 1 cup vinegar in your washing machine, then run another cycle with 1/2 cup baking soda. They will smell 10 times better as over time, towels take on permanent musty scent. Try for yourself and notice the difference! :)

Tip of the Day #55: Cleaning Pillows

Every so often, place your pillows in the dryer with 2-3 tennis balls to return them to their original 'fluff state.' The high heat will also rid them of all germs.

Tip of the Day #54: Spider Prevention

Do you have spiders roaming your house? To prevent them, combine one cup vinegar, one cup pepper, a teaspoon of oil (like vegetable, olive, etc) and a teaspoon of dish soap. Pour into a spray bottle and spray along the outside frames of your door and windows. Remember to always refresh when it rains.

Tip of the Day #53: DIY Watering Can

Why not turn an old detergent or fabric softener jug into a watering can by poking small holes in the lid!

Tip of the Day #52: Preserving Baked Goods

Keep baked goods fresh by placing a lump of sugar in the bottom of the storage container. The sugar will absorb the moisture in the container, leaving your yummy goodies fresh for longer!

Tip of the Day #51: Butter Tip

Butter can be a nuisance when coming out of the fridge and takes awhile to warm, so use a vegetable peeler to shave small amounts that are much more manageable!

UPDATE: JULY 2012

Hi everyone!

I know I have not updated my blog since March 2012, I have just been very busy with other Mum 'n the Oven plans, advertising partnerships and the Bundle Program. I assure you this blog, along with my website, is back in action and I promise to keep it up-to-date from now on!
If you are new to the Mum 'n the Oven community, please feel free to browse past posts, including past 'Tips of the Day' where you can catch up on many household tips in one place! Although I do have the blog, A Mum 'n the Oven publishes MANY tips throughout the day on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Mum-n-the-Oven/313496135360354 and our Twitter account: @amumntheoven --make sure to follow us!

Thank you all for your patience and understanding! Always feel free to post comments or any questions you may have!

Tip of the Day #50: Tupperware Stain Prevention

Spray your TUPPERWARE with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

Tip of the Day #49: Craft Supply Organization

For anyone who has or has had children, you know how many craft supplies either go missing or you find in random places--all in all, just not where they should be! The solution? A hanging shoe organizer does the trick!

Tip of the Day #48: Aluminum Foil in Dryer

Do you find that even after using dryer sheets, your clothes are STILL full of static cling?? Throw in a rolled up ball of aluminum foil and see the difference!! (You can use the same ball over and over again too)

Tips of the Day #46 & 47: Maintaining a Clutter-Free Home

Tip of the Day #47

Neaten as You Go!!
If you don’t make a mess, you won’t have a mess to clean up. Get undressed in front of the hamper, so there are no dirty clothes lying on the floor. If you have a walk-in, get dressed in the closet so you can put the hangers right back. In the kitchen, don’t wait around until the meal is over to clean, do it during downtime while cooking. When loading the dishwasher, put like items together so there’s no sorting when the dishes come out.



Tip of the Day #46

Say No to Piles!!! They are a huge reason many of us are left with CLUTTER!!!
When I go to put something on top of something else, I stop myself and instead figure out where it goes. If it means a trip up or down the steps, so be it. It’s great exercise!

Tip of the Day #45: Grab a Basket!

Every morning I walk around the house to open the shades and I take a basket with me. Anything that doesn’t belong in a room goes in the basket and gets returned to where it should be. By the time I get to the kitchen, most of the clutter has been organized!

Tip of the Day #44: Use it or Lose It!

'Use It or Lose It'--
Within my family, the rule is, if you didn’t use it, wear it, play with it, eat it or know of it in the past six months, it goes out the door. They can do what they want in their own rooms, but the rest of the house is mine! So if you spill it, drop it or leave it lying around, chances are you won’t ever find it again since I’ll throw it out. SAY NO TO CLUTTER!

Tip of the Day #42: Make your Own Pizzas--Kids Style!

For your children to truly cooking, get them involved in the process! Here is a recipe they will love helping with:

Make your own pizza!

Take halves of english muffins
Let the kids layer pizza sauce on then sprinkle cheese
Layer with pepperoni and any other ingredients they like
Pop in the oven to melt the cheese

Tip of the Day #41: DIY Vegetable Wash

Make your own veggie wash by adding 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water in a spray bottle! This is the best way to kill any bacteria that may be lingering.

Tip of the Day #40: Quiet Lunches

Lunchtime will be more pleasant for young children if you read to them while they eat. This also helps with PICKY EATERS as it allows them to focus on something else :)

Tip of the Day #39: Leftover Chicken Ideas

Time Saver--leftover chicken from dinner? Use it the next day for your childrens lunch as an alternative to a plain ol' sandwich!

Tip of the Day #38: Emergency Kits

Pre-pack 'Emergency' type kits (especially for the kiddos) that you can keep around until you need them--it will save you a ton of time & ensure that you wont forget a thing!

Tip of the Day #37: Adding Garlic at the Right Time

When adding garlic to your dish, if you would like a milder taste, add at the beginning of cooking...while adding towards the end will retain its maximum flavour!

Tip of the Day #35: Over-salting while Cooking

If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato-it absorbs the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."

Tip of the Day #34: Burning Rice

Burned a pot of rice? Just place a piece of white bread on top of the rice for 5-10 minutes to draw out the burned flavor. Be careful not to scrape the burned pieces off of the bottom of the pan when serving the rice.

Tip of the Day #33: Tupperware Organization

Organize your Tupperware by placing lids in a dish rack--it will help keep them neat & easily accessible! Always remember to go through your 'inventory' every few months to rid any that are missing containers, or are damaged--this will ensure you only have what you need!

Tip of the Day #32: Washing your 'Greens'

The best way to remove dirt from greens like spinach, arugala and kale, is to leave them in a salt water bath for a few minutes!

Tip of the Day #31: Grease Removal from Walls

Use cornstarch to remove cooking grease from a wall--just pour some on a rag and wipe spot until it is gone!

Tip of the Day #30: 'Layer' while you Cook!

BE BOLD in your cooking! Don't be afraid to spice things up with lots of flavour!! Layering with salt & pepper is KEY to a delicious meal!

Tip of the Day #29: Living Frugal!

If you love living a frugal lifestyle, go all the way by making a lot of your everyday products--like, laundry detergent, cleaning sprays & dishwasher detergent! There are a variety of resources online that can teach you how!

Tip of the Day #28: Bacon in the Oven

Stop cooking your bacon in a frying pan...it is much easier & TASTIER in the oven! :)

Tip of the Day #27: Organizing Canned Goods

Space Saver--use magazine holders to store your canned goods and free up room in your cupboards!

Tip of the Day #26: Lemons and Limes, oh my!

Do you have lemons and/or limes you must use up? Cut into halves or slices and place in a vase with water as a centrepiece as we await Spring! Not only does it look beautiful, but it will fill your home with a fresh scent!

Tip of the Day #25: Small Items in Dishwasher

Happy Family Day!!!!!!!!

Keep mini Tupperware lids, baby-bottle caps, and other small items from falling through the dishwasher rack by placing them in a laundry bag!!!

Tip of the Day #24: Cleaning & Disinfecting your Cutting Board

To remove tough food stains from wood and plastic cutting boards, slice a lemon in half, squeeze onto the soiled surface, rub, and let sit for 20 minutes before rinsing. The bonus is that your kitchen will smell wonderful as well!

Tip of the Day # 23: Kids--Transitioning to adult cups

If you have little ones who may be transitioning to a 'big' cup, try putting a few rubber bands around the glass for a better grip to avoid any accidents!

Tip of the Day #22: Removing Stuck on Food

Here is how to get rid of stuck on foods or yucky 'burnt' stains on your pots & pans without hassle!!!

Instructions
1. Fill the bottom with about 1 cup of water

2. Add the 1 cup of vinegar.

3. Bring the pot or pan to a boil. It should be looking a bit cleaner already.

4. Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 tbsp of baking soda and watch it fizz.

5. Empty the pan and scour as normal, if necessary add an extra bit of dry baking soda.

**** If there are any super stubborn marks that don't come off with scouring, make a paste of baking soda and a couple of drops of water. Leave the paste on the marks for a while and return to clean as normal.

Tip of the Day #21: Sticky liquids

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Tip of the Day #20: Quality Time for Couples!

Spend quality time with your man by preparing & cooking a meal TOGETHER! :)

Tip of the Day #19: Date Night

Date Night Idea - enroll in a cooking class with your significant other; they can be lots of fun!

Tip of the Day #18: Kids in the Kitchen

Teach your children in the kitchen!! Kids are like sponges and absorb information quickly--instill cooking skills at a very young age! They will love to help!

Here is my little assistant :)

Tip of the Day #17: Learning New Recipes

Expand your recipe base! Plan a potluck with friends or suggest a soup exchange!

Valentines Day Meal Idea--Beef Wellington

Have you ever watched "Hell's Kitchen" and wondered how to make that 'oh-so-yummy-looking meat, covered in a pastry dish?' Well, I used to think the same thing and so I decided to research a recipe and alter it into my own! On the show, it always looked so difficult to master, but honestly, although a bit time-consuming, it is quite easy!

This is perfect recipe to produce a delicious Beef Wellington for your significant other, on what better day than the one you celebrate your love for one another!

What you need:

2 lb Beef fillet
1/2 lb Portobello mushrooms (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
handful of finely chopped flat leaf parsley
2 eggs
1 sheet of dough (President's Choice has a great boxed one that contains 2 sheets)

Instructions:

1.  Sautee mushrooms and onion in large frying pan. Once browned, remove from stove top and let cool.

2. Sear beef on ALL sides; make sure to NOT cook beef while searing for too long--ensure all sides are just lightly browned then remove from pan.

3.  Take sheet of dough and flatten out, ensuring to stretch out VERY lightly as to not tear.

4. Place meat on top of dough sheet, then place mushroom & onion mix in a generous line on top of meat.

5. Carefully take one side of the dough and bring up over top of the meat, then repeat with ALL sides--smooth down creases in dough where sides meet.

6. Whisk 2 eggs in bowl until thin, then brush over dough.

7. Place in oven at 400 degrees until temperature reaches 125. Wait approximately 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serve with a nice mixed green salad or potatoes.