A sloppy gal's best friend

I love my Tide To Go pen! It really is a teeny weensy miracle worker. It's the size of a highlighter and only costs about $3, but it can save you from mucho embarrassment if you're anything like me and always slob your lunch down your front, routinely drop ink pens on khaki pants or if you're just a clean freak. I keep one in my desk drawer and one in my purse and basically don't leave home without it!

The pen works like magic to reduce or eliminate spills and stains quickly. The one main drawback is that the solution leaves a faint ring on the fabric. This comes out in the wash (or with a little clean water from the bathroom), but might irritate some.

Check out Tide's website for a coupon to try it yourself!

*Photo courtesy of Real Simple.

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Decoding a "Sip and See"

Several months ago, I was invited to a friend's "Sip and See." Being that I have very few close friends with babies, I was a little confused on what exactly this event entailed. I had to consult a dear friend from the deep South to get the details! Now, I am otherwise enlightened.

A Sip and See is typically held after the baby is born and is conducted in an open house format to allow friends and family to drop by and see the new baby. They are typically less-structured than a standard baby shower and are relaxed for both new baby and mother.

If you're planning a Sip and See, here are a few tips to make your event fab.

Logistics: Hosting the event at the mother's home will decrease the stress level. The mother won't have to worry about toting a carrier, diapers, bottles and anything else she may need to someone else's home. That being said, the mother may be nervous about ensuring the house is clean and guest-ready. When acting as the hostess for such an event, it's important to ensure that the new mother does not feel added stress from the event.

Timing: The time frame for the event should be 2-6 weeks after the baby is born. For an open house, 3-4 hours will suffice for guests to come and go at their leisure.

Menu: A champagne cocktail is a wonderful way to celebrate the baby's home coming. Other beverages to add to the occasion are punch and light white wine. A dessert bar or other light treats always add to the fun!

Gifts: If there was a baby shower prior to the birth, gifts are certainly not required. It is proper etiquette for the hostess to casually mention this when the attendees phone to RSVP.

Favors: Again, since this event is more laissez-faire than the standard shower, favors are not required. However, I did receive a delicious chocolate turtle with the darling baby's monogram as the Sip and See I attended. Edible favors are always nice!

*Photos courtesy of Martha Stewart.

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Spring Cleaning!

It's about time to start spring cleaning. While the damp, cool air still alludes to winter, I'm pressing on with my springtime activities. Here are a few things on our spring cleaning to-do list:

• Wash, press and re-hang the curtains
• Dust the blinds
• Wash all bedding including mattress covers, pillow covers, duvet covers, etc.
• Donate any tired or seldom-worn clothing or shoes
• Remove all light fixtures and wash to remove dust and any other residues
• Clean all baseboards
• Purge any food in the pantry or fridge past its date
• Wash refrigerator shelves and dry before replacing

Photo courtesy of Mom Central.

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Flour Power

Back in my pre-happy homemaker days of yore (note haughty tone), I mistakenly took self-rising flour for all-purpose flour. For those of you that are baking gurus, you can imagine my disappointment when not one, but two batches of gorgeous homemade cupcakes were void of any spring or fluffiness...more like the texture of a flour less cake without the divine flavor! So for those of you like me who often try to make substitutions or (gasp) short cuts, here are a few hints about the different types of flour.

All Purpose Flour: Blend of hard and soft wheat and the most versatile flour to be used in cooking and baking. Bleached is best for pie crusts, cookies, quick breads, pancakes and waffles; unbleached flour is best for for yeast breads, puff pastry, strudel, éclairs, cream puffs and popovers (my fav!). It can be stored for up to 8 months in the pantry in a sealed container.

Cake Flour: It is what it says - a flour used for baking cakes. This soft wheat flour undergoes a bleaching process which allows it to hold water and sugar better. It will rise well and will be less likely to collapse.

Self-Rising Flour: Typically used for baking items like bread, cookies, and biscuits. When using self-rising flour, there is no need to add baking powder and salt in the recipe. In a pinch, for each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 tsp of baking powder and 1/2 tsp of salt.

Pastry Flour: This falls between all-purpose and flour for baking properties. Best used for brownies, cookies, pie crusts, biscuits, and quick breads. Typically, it is only available at specialty grocers.

Semolina Flour: Used for pasta and Italian puddings.
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Now Departing Gate 1...

There's something about the excitement of arriving at the airport on your way out of town for some deliciously relaxing vacation time. That excitement quickly escapes me by the time I arrive at the check-in counter or at security. Being that my Dad was a pretty adept business traveler, he taught me the ways to quickly and happily navigate the airport. And for the record, my Mom is highly detail oriented and made sure we were VERY organized when traveling as a family. Hmm sounds strikingly familiar to my travels with my husband...

Before you go:

• Double check to make sure you have boarding passes, ID, hotel confirmations, etc before you leave.
• Check in online, if this is an option - you can bypass the long lines at the ticket counter.
• Fill out the your luggage tags and ensure your contact information is included and up-to-date in each piece of luggage. Bonus points for putting your final destination at each end of the trip on the tag (you'll be happy when it's lost and re-finds you).
• Pack a small snack - you never know where and when you might get stranded. If I'm traveling over a meal, I usually pack a sandwich, grapes and some candy. Don't forget some napkins. This is especially important with kids - they will be so much happier with a snack.
• Bring a clean water bottle in your carry on (I always bring my trusty Nalgene bottle). You can fill it in the gate area and can avoid spending $5 on an Evian, unless that's your style.
• Know the rules for liquids in your carry-on bag. They must be under 3 oz and must fit in one quart-sized zippered bag. More here.
• Leave your outside lights on and lock your house!

Entering the airport:

• If you parked at the airport, write your parking location on the back of your parking ticket. Put your ticket in your wallet and go along your merry vacationing way. You'll thank me later.
• Keep your boarding pass and ID handy at all times. I leave mine in a readily accessible pocket in my carry-on bag until after I board the plane.
• Lock your car!

Navigating the ticket counter:

• Use self check-in, if it's available. It's quicker and you can avoid lengthier lines for those needing personal assistance.
• Keep your boarding pass and ID handy at all times. I leave mine in a readily accessible pocket in my carry-on bag until after I board the plane.
• Be pleasant - I promise that even if your flight is delayed and/or cancelled, you will get much better service if you don't yell, pound your fists or try to punch the ticket agent. (My hubby and I were once bumped to first class after our flight was cancelled and I was sickeningly sweet to the gate agent as she cheerfully re-booked us).
• If you check bags, make sure you get the stickers with the bar code and identifier for them. Again, if they are lost, you'll be glad you have this information.

Navigating the Security Line:

• Be patient and polite.
• Keep your boarding pass and ID handy at all times.
• Take out your laptop and quart-sized bag of liquid items and take off your coat and your shoes quickly. Everyone around you will thank you when you don't make a production out of simple tasks.
• When you pick up your things from the conveyor belt, move to the side to put on your shoes, belt, coat and anything else that was removed before you were patted down by your new-found friend, Mr. TSA.

The waiting process begins:

• Don't monopolize multiple seats in the gate area, particularly if it's crowded. Your carry on bag does not need it's own seat, no matter how much you love your gorgeous leather Coach tote.
• If you're working on a laptop, find a business area (if the airport has one - Chicago O'Hare and Charlotte are a-ma-zing). If not, find a wall plug near your gate and go to town. This also applies for those needing to charge cell phones or ipods.
• Fill up your water bottle at the water fountain for free hydration.
• If you didn't pack a snack, buy one especially if you have lay-overs and run the risk of having a lengthy travel ordeal. I love candy and treat myself when waiting at the airport.
• If you didn't pack your carry on very well, find a news stand and grab a magazine, newspaper or trashy novel.
• Waiting on a flight to leave, arrive and any or all of the above can be agonizing. Pack your carry on well and it might be an enjoyable process.

And finally, the boarding process:

• Be patient and polite.
• If you have assigned seats, there is no need to make like a Spaniard at running of the bulls and stampede towards the jetway. If you don't have an assigned seat, stand in line like everyone else and again, no need to stampede.
• Find your seat, stow your carry-ons and move out of the aisle quickly and effectively. And seriously, if you're 5'2'' and your carry-on is a small tote, it does NOT need to go in an overhead bin. If you've ever run to catch a plane and have been the last one on only to find that there is exactly zero space in the overheads, you know what I'm talking about. Alternatively, don't attempt to bring your rolling duffle bag as your carry on - just check that monster!
• If the person next to you is trying to sleep, work or read, this is not your cue to strike up a conversation about your ex-wife.

If you follow these simple, albeit lengthy tips, I promise a more enjoyable travel experience. Happy vacationing!

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Happy St. Patty's Day!!

In honor of my Irish heritage, I posted an Irish blessing that I love (so much so that it was read at our wedding). Enjoy!

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.

May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.

May the saddest day of your future,

Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship,

And your hearts joined forever in love.

Your lives are very special,

God has touched you in many ways.

May his blessings rest upon you,

And fill all your coming days.

*Photo courtesy of Cartophilia.com.

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Ready, Get Set, Jet Set!

I consider myself to be an excellent traveler (please, no snide comments about other areas where I believe I excel). After all, we did live across the country from family for most of my life and my parents were at least 400 miles away while I was in college. Whenever I get ready for a trip, I inevitably make myself a scatterbrained list of things to bring/pack. Once and for all, I'm kicking that habit and making myself a permanent packing list.

Clothing, general:

• Pants
• Jeans
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Dress shirts
• T-shirts
• Jacket or blazer
• Underwear
• Bras
• Socks and/or pantyhose
• Sleepwear
• Walking shoes
• Dress shoes

Clothing, exercise/sport:

• Shorts or pants
• Athletic tops
• Sport socks
• Sneakers
• Sports bra
• Tennis racket and balls
• Golf clubs, balls and tees

Clothing, beach:

• Bathing suit
• Cover-up
• Flip flops or sandals
• Hat, straw or otherwise

Toiletries:

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Facial cleanser/soap
• Facial moisturizer
• Body lotion
• Shaving cream
• Razor
• Comb / Hairbrush
• Hair bands / Headbands / Bobby pins
• Deodorant
• Make-up
• Prescriptions
• Birth control
• OTC medication: Pain killer / Antacid / Band-aids

Personal Items:

• Contact lenses, case and solution / Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Ipod and charger
• Cell phone and charger
• Books and magazines
• Camera
• Notebook and pen / pencil
• Travel snacks
• Purse or travel bag

Important paperwork:

• Driver's license
• Credit Cards / ATM card
• Cash
• Passport (only for international travel)
• Airline tickets and itinerary
• Hotel reservations and confirmation
• Maps and guidebooks
• Contact information for important family members or for postcards!

Coming soon...helpful tips for navigating the airport!

*Photo courtesy of allposters.com.

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Chronically disorganized electronic cords

Before

It doesn't take much for the cords for various gadgets and gizmos to become out of control. They became tangled, lost, knotted or maybe even broken in my 'before' state. Despite being pretty tech savy, I found myself feeling like a snowman in summertime with our current disarray. I'm proud to say that I'm a reformed woman and have taken control of our cords!

After

I started with a box of zipper plastic bags and my trusty label maker. Once I de-tangled the cords, I organized them by type of gadget - phone, camera, ipod, etc. Figure out what cords you have and categorize accordingly. Slap a label on the bag, insert the cords and seal. I also found this to be a space saving technique. I was able to fit all of our cords neatly into one of our Orla Kiely bins from Target (see post from 28 Feb).

This was just one more way that I've improved the functionality of our home office. After all of this electronic talk, I could use a gin and tonic.

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Role reversals

One of my favorite pastimes is weekend breakfast/brunch. I take every opportunity make a delicious feast for friends, but usually it's just my hubby. There's something deliciously retro about preparing and enjoying a leisurely meal in the kitchen, complete with freshly ground coffee and the morning paper. Since I was stuck in the (home) office working on a project for work with a rapidly approaching deadline (i.e. Monday), my hubby took the baton and ran with it.

Much to the delight and surprise of my rumbling stomach, he walked into the office after returning from morning errands with a plate of food and a steaming cup of coffee (prepared just to my liking - sugar and skim milk) and said 'breakfast is served.' My husband tends to be more creative than me; it really must be his art background. He prepared some 'fancy eggs' as he calls them with a cinnamon crumpet with a pat of butter - divine.

Will's Fancy Eggs for two:

• 5 Eggs
• 1/4 C red pepper, chopped
• 1/8 C onion, chopped
• 1 Brat or other sausage
• Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Chop brat or sausage into small pieces and cook over med-high heat in skillet.
2. Once brat is cooked, add red pepper, onion and eggs. Scramble frequently.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste. Be prepared to wow your breakfast company!

I should have taken a photo, but my appetite got the better of me. What an indulgence - I am indeed spoiled.
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Pretty Patio

Our on and off again spring/summer weather has me yearning for evenings outside. For that matter, I'll take any free moment I can spend in warm sunshine (my pasty skin needs it!). Here are some of my favorite furnishings for absolutely fantastic al fresco dining or relaxing.

This gorgeous iron table would look fab on a tile patio.

I could curl up and read a book here allllll afternoon.

A pink and green Bermuda Birdhouse would perfectly honor our Bermuda honeymoon

This wrought iron island would be ideal for a bar or appetizer server.

Top off your patio, deck or patio with a few copper planters with bright flowers and you are summer-ready!

*Photos courtesy of PointClickHome, Pottery Barn, Posh Living, and Home Garden and Patio.

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Mopping Mayhem

Cinderella was a mopping machine, while I on the other hand...well, not so much. I try to mop our kitchen floor about once a month to keep it sparkly clean.

Cleaners

• Use a concentrated cleaner that can be diluted in water - Lysol, Spin-n-Span, etc. It will allow you to control the amount of soap you use.
• A cup or so of vinegar in clean water always works well too.
• For hardwood floors, I use Murphy Oil soap dilluted in water.

Techniques

• ALWAYS vacuum or sweep first - this will make your job seem much less cinderella-esque.
• I like to have two buckets - one for the soapy water and one for clean water. That way, you can rinse the mop in the clean water to avoid polluting the soapy water.
• Another option is to fill the kitchen soap with suds - less clean up.
• Take two passes over the floor.

Mops

• Microfiber mop with detachable pads.
• Butterfly Sponge mop.
• Dust Mop - always a good option for hardwood floors.
• The Swiffer Wet Jet is always an option, but costly over time.

*Photos courtesy of teensy green and Rubbermaid.

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Glorious gardens for Spring

In honor of our fabulously gorgeous weekend (it was 80 degrees yesterday!!), I'm passing along a few of my favorite tricks for ensuring your lawn and gardens are spring ready.

• Rake lawn to remove dead growth, stray twigs and other debris (pine cones, etc). This also applies to flower beds - remove all loose or dead debris.
• Cut back dead material - branches, buds, etc. It will give way for re-growth.
• Start weeding and apply a 'weed and feed' to lawn.
• Trim overgrowth on trees and bushes.
• Start a compost pile - it will save lots of future dollars spent on fertilizer and makes you feel really good about being earthy!
• Service the mower- ensure the blades are sharp, fill it with fresh oil and gas and replace spark plugs, if necessary.
• Fertilize flower beds with compost or natural fertilizers.
• Plant cool weather blooms and veggies - pansies, lettuce, spinach.
• Clean bird feeders and bird baths.
• Plant seeds. If there is a chance of frost, plant in pots so they can be transported indoors in case it is especially chilly.

*Photos from Better Homes and Gardens online.

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Polishing your patent

I have a penchant for patent leather...always have. I think wore out every pair of black patent leather mary janes that I've ever owned (from the age of 2 on).

I've found two household products that will keep your shoes (or handbag) looking spanking new all the time. For scuffs, use non-acetone nail polish remover. Use a Q-tip and rub the scuff and immediately dry with a dry cloth. It may take a little elbow grease, but I've had good success with this method. For ensuring the leather stays patent-y shiny, use a vegetable oil. Apply on a dry cloth and polish the leather, as you would with normal shoe polish.

Voila!

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Decoding Dates at the Grocer

Most foods are labeled with some sort of date - use by, sell by, etc. I've always wondered the guidance for consumption around or past (gasp!) these dates. Here's the 411 on the various labels:

Sell By: This is the date by which the food must be sold from the store, but it may be consumed for one week after this date. This date is used to enable grocery staff to monitor when food must be sold or discarded.

Use By: This is the drop dead date by which food may be consumed. If the 'use by' date is in the past, do not purchase or consume the product. Microbial changes may take place in food after this date and would render the product unsafe for consumption.

Best By: This is the suggested date for consumption and identifies the time when food may begin to lose quality, but is still safe to be consumed (i.e. canned foods, pasta, rice, cereal).
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Golf Balls Galore

We're a little nutty in our house - nutty for sports, that is. Both my husband and I enjoy golf, tennis and other leisure sports and we have our professional teams that we root for throughout the year. I've always struggled to neatly and efficiently organize our sporting equipment, particularly golf balls. I learned a wonderful trick from our retired neighbor who is a scratch golfer. He saved old egg cartons and categorized the golf balls for each carton - perfect for found balls or those just lying around after a box was already opened.

For example, one carton was Titleist Pro V1's and another was Nike balls. The cartons can be neatly stacked on a garage shelf and at the ready for hitting the greens.

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Not your Mother's Spaghetti and Meatballs

It snowed in Virginia yesterday, so I thought I would share one of my absolute favorite recipes to warm your soul. This spaghetti and meatballs recipe will knock your socks off, it's so delicious! It has a bit of a kick from the chipotle and is a more adventurous version of the classic dish your Mom served when you were growing up.

Pasta and Sauce Recipe:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, liquid included
• 1 tsp finely minced canned chipotle en adobo and sauce, or more to taste (mince in food processor)
• 2 tsp chopped oregano leaves (or dried)
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 C torn fresh basil leaves
• 16 oz whole wheat spaghetti or angel hair

1. Fill large pot with water and boil for pasta. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In 4 quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute the onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for one minute more. (Begin making meatballs while onion cooks)
3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chipotle, oregano and salt.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce and cook for 15 minutes, until liquid has evaporated slightly. Place cooked meatballs in sauce to absorb flavors.

Meatball Recipe:

• 16 oz lean, ground turkey
• 1/2 onion, very finely chopped (you can add other veggies like carrots of green pepper, if you like)
• 1 C breadcrumbs
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tbsp fresh or dried herbs - parsley, oregano, basil, thyme (determine based on desired taste)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.
3. Form 1-2 inch round meatballs and place on non-stick cookie sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta and top with freshley shaved Parmesan. Dig in!!

*Photo from Foodnetwork.com

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Recession Etiquette

In case you've been living under a rock, we are living in tough economic times. We hear about it every day from every form of media that exists. In a nutshell, it's depressing. Most would agree that we modify our behaviour in certain conditions (demure in church, professional at work, respectful at weddings, etc) and maybe now is a good time to reevaluate, yet again.
Cocktail parties may be an uncomfortable event for those particularly impacted by the struggling economy - some may have lost jobs or are having difficulty keeping their homes. Here are a few suggestions to avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation when mixing and mingling at your next social event:

• Avoid questions like 'where do you work' or 'what do you do.' You never know who may have just lost their job and might unintentionally embarrass that person.
• Focus on universal subjects: hobbies, sports, movies, books, etc.
• Avoid a diatribe on recent portfolio losses. It's not a pleasant topic and for some, the savings or stock losses may translate to anxiety or stress.
• Ask how others know the host and/or hostess.
• If you become engaged in a conversation with someone who may be struggling (job loss, home foreclosure, debt issues), be empathetic and supportive. Then, change the subject to something more positive and upbeat.

By acting sensitive when engaging in cocktail conversation, one can avoid uncomfortable or embarrassing situations. So, be free to cocktail away now that you're educated on being an exceptionally gracious guest.

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