After a clothes iron has been used for some time, residue (clothing fibers, hard water deposits, dust, etc.) builds up on its soleplate. This residue causes the iron to drag and can sometimes stain clothing. We were experiencing this problem, so I did some research and came across several suggestions for how to clean the soleplate. I … [Read more...] about Common Housekeeping Conundrums: Gunk on the Soleplates of Irons
Keeping the Home
Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
Do you love getting cards in the mail from loved ones? I certainly do. Though I loathe throwing the cards away, I don’t see any sense in stashing them away in a drawer where they contribute to clutter. Fortunately, I’ve discovered a number of awesome ways to reuse them. Ways to Reuse Greeting Cards A greeting card can be … [Read more...] about Rampant Reusing: Greeting Cards
Cheeseburger Macaroni
This recipe for cheeseburger macaroni is the result of my efforts to make a healthier, homemade equivalent to the Hamburger Helper® variety that bears the same name (this was one of my husband’s favorite meals back before we got married). This homemade version is simple and calls for affordable ingredients. It’s also pretty … [Read more...] about Cheeseburger Macaroni
Convenient Freezer Labels
Have you ever pulled a dish or baggie from the freezer and been unable to determine what is frozen in it? You can eliminate this problem by diligently labeling foods before freezing them. This sounds straightforward, but I know I sometimes omit this step when I’m in a hurry. Hopefully these cute, convenient freezer labels will make it … [Read more...] about Convenient Freezer Labels
Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
As I’ve adopted the habit of menu planning, I’ve realized that there are a number of basic recipes that are essential to preparing the meals on my menus. Paramount among these are cheese sauce and cream of mushroom soup. If I wanted to save a little time and effort, I could use a processed cheese product (e.g., Velveeta) instead of … [Read more...] about Essential Recipes: Cheese Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup
Secure Your Home While You Travel
When you plan a travel itinerary and begin packing, do you also take steps to keep your home safe? There are some common sense things we always do before leaving on a trip. I took a closer look before my husband and I traveled to visit family for Thanksgiving to make sure our approach is thorough. Ways to keep your home safe while you … [Read more...] about Secure Your Home While You Travel
Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
I absolutely love wrapping gifts! There’s something about lovely wrapping paper and shiny bows that sparks creativity in me. I’ve become increasingly aware that wrapping gifts in traditional gift wrap and using disposable bows isn’t particularly beneficial to the environment. Fortunately, I’ve discovered several creative, eco-friendly … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
I don’t know why I’d not previously considered combining pears, maple syrup, and spice cake, but I’m sure glad I thought of it last week! In order to make my idea come to life, I augmented a spice cake recipe that I found on allrecipes.com (you can see the original, pear- and maple-free recipe here). Ingredients 2 pears (firm enough that … [Read more...] about Maple-Glazed Pear Upside-Down Cake
