Washing Windows

Spring cleaning has arrived, aka, I took down the Easter clings from the window and noticed how dirty the windows were. So, here is a little window washing tip. When you wash your windows, use side to side strokes on one side of the window and up and down strokes on the other side. It makes it easier to tell which side has the streaks. (I can't take full credit for this one, but I don't remember where I read it.)

Crooked Pictures?

Ever hang a picture only to find out that it will not hang strait? You can use a metal washer or coin to even it out. Secure the washer to the back of the high side of the picture at the bottom corner. Duct tape works great for this one. If you are worried about ruining the frame, you can also put one of those rubber knobbies that go on the bottom of objects to protect surfaces or on the back of cabinet doors so they don't make so much noise.

Healthier Tuna (and nobody is the wiser...)

Over the years I have learned various ways to add more nutritional value to my families meals. One of the easiest and fastest is to "beef" up your tuna. Instead of draining the tuna before you make your tuna sandwiches or tuna melts, put the juices used for canning right in the bowl with the tuna. Add about a handful of quick cook oatmeal and stir. Let this sit for a few minutes (good time to get the other ingredients or set the table.) The oatmeal will soak up the liquid and you won't even notice it's there. It also makes the one can of tuna go a bit further. Be careful not to use too much oatmeal though. You may get accused of using (gasp!) whole wheat bread!

Storing the saved clings

Now that you have saved those clings, how do you store them? Folders work well, but my favorite is photo albums. Remember the old sticky pages with the thin film over them that you would never dream of putting your pictures in? Put a bunch of these pages in a 3-ring binder and stick the clings right to the tops of the pages (don't open the film!) You have a cling that is larger than the pages? No problem. Just fold it over the edge of a page or two. Next time you go to use it, run both sides of the crease under the hottest water you can stand for a few minutes. The crease will virtually disappear and the cling will be clean. Now you can stick it where you will. You can even get fancy with your binder and put dividers between seasons and holidays. The best way to store this binder is lying flat.

Save those window clings

I know that window clings are not very expensive, but sometimes it is hard to find one that you really like or you find on ethat is a favorite of the kids. So, what do you do when they no longer stick to the window or mirror? Wash them in soapy warm water and pat them dry. When placing them on the window, it helps if the window is not cold (or frozen with ice!)You can also use a lightly damp cloth and wipe the back of the cling before placing it on the surface.

Need to frost? No bag? No Problem!

A quick way to create an easy to use, disposable frosting bag is to use zipper plastic bags. Just place the frosting in the bag, zip shut, and snip a small piece off of one bottom corner. The bigger the snip, the faster it comes out and fatter the lines become. It also eliminates the need for refereeing who gets to use the frosting bag next during family activities.

In search of the special special

I have ordered my seeds! I don't think I have ever been this excited about seeds! After reviewing all of the options for beans, peas, carrots, tomatoes, etc., I settled on what I needed and decided to wait for a special to come along or my deadline - whichever came first. A day later I received an email from Gurney Seeds for up to 50% off of selected items. Cool! After the discounts I went down about $10. I then noticed the "Enter promotion code" box. I did a quick search of the internet for any coupon codes and hit a jackpot. I found a $20 off of orders $40 or more. I went back to the website through the link and I had dropped my total to $36! (In all fairness, the whole order is not for me. I am splitting it with my mom and a friend. At this point, I wouldn't be able to use that many seeds.) Moral of the story - do a little waiting, a little looking, order with a friend, and it could save you a few bucks!