7 Common Household Problems...Easy 5-Minute Fixes (Reader's Digest)

15 Common Household Problems: Easy 5-Minute Fixes
Want streak-free windows?
Large house party left a mess?
Living room seem cramped?
Find expert solutions -- all in 5 minutes or less!

Problem #1: Cleaning windows leaves streaks.
Five-Minute Fix: Here's how the pros avoid streaking when they wipe off their windows:
* Use a window-washing squeegee with a smooth, soft rubber edge. (Or use crumpled-up black-and-white newspaper -- avoid the color sections.)
* Dry a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) strip at the top or side of each window and always start your squeegee there -- starting on dry glass is one key to avoiding streaks.
* Don't wash windows in direct sunlight, because quickly dried glass is more susceptible to streaking. Evenings or cloudy days are the times for window washing.

Problem #2: Chewing gum stuck to your carpet.Five-Minute Fix: Grab some ice, put it in a plastic bag (to prevent leaking), and rub the ice on the gum until the gum freezes and hardens. Scrape away the hardened gum with a dull knife. If residue remains, remove it by blotting with a dry-cleaning solvent, such as Carbona. Be sure to test the solvent first, however, in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it won't damage the carpet. This procedure also works with upholstery.

Problem #3: Clothes dryer isn't drying.Five-Minute Fix: If your clothes dryer feels really hot, but your clothes take forever to dry, the vent may be clogged. A clogged vent traps the excess hot air inside the dryer's drum. But the low circulation of air keeps clothes from getting dry. This is a big problem -- the extra heat can damage fabrics and can start a fire -- but it's nothing you can't fix yourself.
1. Start by checking the vent flap or hood on the outside of the house. Make sure that you feel a strong flow of air coming out when the dryer is running. If not, try cleaning out the vent with a straightened clothes hanger.
2. If the vent flap is not the problem, check for a kink or sag in the duct and straighten the hose if necessary.
3. If a kinked or sagging duct is not the problem, disconnect the duct from the dryer and look for blockage inside with a flashlight. To remove the blockage, shake it out or run a wadded cloth through the duct. If the duct is damaged, replace it.

Problem #4: Room was painted too dark a color.Five-Minute Fix: Temper dark colors with light counterpoints. Navy blue, hunter green, and chocolate brown walls can make a dramatic statement in a room. But they need tempering with light-colored, or even white, trim and upholstery fabrics, as well as window treatments. For example, a light-colored painting or tapestry against a dark wall can create a beautiful focal point in a room. Make sure a room with dark walls also has plenty of light fixtures and lamps.

Problem #5: Living room seems cramped.Five-Minute Fix: You can make your living room seem airier through the artful choice of furniture and accessories. Decorators recommend these techniques:
* Choose just a few pieces of furniture -- declutter!
* Choose light colors for the furniture and your wall paint, and match some of the furniture to the walls. Avoid busy prints in upholstery.
* Choose low-slung, unobtrusive furniture and don't block windows or doors.
* Choose tables with glass or mirror tops.
* Choose sheer fabrics for window treatments and tablecloths.

Problem #6: Herbs are taking over your garden.
Five-Minute Fix: Whether the herbs are in the garden or on your plate, the same holds true: A few are nice, but you don't want them on everything. Gardeners soon discover that herbs like to take over their surroundings. Oregano, thyme, and mints are particularly bad about busting out all over and spreading by underground runners. To keep them in their place, cut the bottoms out of 5-gallon (19-liter) buckets or use chimney tiles. (A chimney tile looks like a square clay box with no top or bottom.) Sink your buckets or tiles 18 inches (45 centimeters) into the ground and plant your herbs in them. That's deep enough to curb their underground spread.

Problem #7: Large house party left a mess.
Five-Minute Fix: There's no need to wear yourself out by tackling the entire mess immediately. Spend just a few minutes whipping the aftermath into shape, and then do the detail work in the morning. Assuming you have already put perishable foods away, here are the steps to follow:
1. Collect bottles, cups, and glasses. Look for spills and deal with them right away.
2. Empty half-filled glasses and cups in the kitchen sink. Toss out plastic and paper. Set the glasses on the counter. Do the same with plates and utensils.
3. Fill the dishwasher with as many dishes as you can fit in and start it when it's fully loaded.
4. Gather up the garbage in plastic bags, starting in outer rooms and working your way toward the kitchen, so that you centralize the clutter there. Take garbage out as soon as bags are filled and tied, to prevent accidental leaks and odors.
5. In the morning, after a good night's sleep, finish up by dusting and vacuuming, again working your way toward the kitchen. Clean the kitchen last.

September OAMC

I made 8 recipes X 4 meals each for 32 meals.

Chicken Stroganoff (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
20 boneless skinless chicken breasts -- frozen (don't worry about thawing)
4 pounds sour cream
32 ounces mushroom pieces
2 large cans cream of mushroom soup
4 bags egg noodles -- cooked as directed on day of meal

Mix sour cream, mushrooms and soup. Divide chicken between 4 labelled gallon bags. Divide soup mixture between bags, make sure chicken is well coated. Seal and freeze flat.

Reheating instructions: Thaw. Dump in crockpot. Cook 8 hours on low. Serve with egg noodles.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 423 Calories; 19g Fat (42.2% calories from fat); 50g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 154mg Cholesterol; 257mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 6 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 3 1/2 Fat.

Farmhouse Pot Roast (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann T. Smith
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 roasts -- about 5 lbs. each
5 pounds red potatoes -- cut into chunks
2 pounds baby carrots
1 whole celery -- chopped
4 cans mushroom pieces
4 large cans cream of mushroom soup
4 cans beef broth

Label 4 gallon bags. Put a roast in each bag. Divide the rest of the ingredients between the 4 bags. Freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Put 2 cups of water in crockpot. Pour in contents of bag. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is done and falling apart.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 122 Calories; 2g Fat (13.0% calories from fat); 5g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; trace Cholesterol; 406mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat.

NOTES : Can substitute 3 beef bouillon cubes and 2 cups of water for the beef broth.
Can substitute venison for beef.

In GBP Ready, Set, Eat 7/07.

Crockpot Swiss Chicken (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 packages stuffing mix, with seasoning packet
2 large cans cream of mushroom soup
1 pound Swiss cheese slices
2 cups chicken broth -- or a little bit of water
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Divide chicken breasts into bottom of 2 buttered crockpots. Cover with chicken in both crocks with Swiss cheese (or provolone, or fresh spinach and then cheese.)

In a bowl, combine the soup, stuffing mix, and broth. Divide mixture in half; pour over chicken in crockpots. Sprinkle each with parmesan cheese. Cook on high for 4 hours. Chicken will be well done, but moist.

Cool; divide into 4 quart freezer bags. Freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Preheat oven to 350°. Reheat for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 375 Calories; 11g Fat (27.5% calories from fat); 63g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 160mg Cholesterol; 476mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 8 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Fat.

Pork Chops with Mushrooms (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 boneless pork chops
4 large cans cream of mushroom soup
5 pounds red potatoes -- quartered
2 pounds baby carrots
1 whole celery -- diced

Label 4 gallon bags. Divide ingredients between 4 bags. Freeze flat.

To serve: Thaw. Put mixture into crockpot. Stir gently. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 111 Calories; 2g Fat (14.1% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 22g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; trace Cholesterol; 192mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat.

Serving Ideas : Great with rice or mashed potatoes.

Baked Bean Chili

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 pounds ground beef
3 cans baked beans -- 84 ounces
46 ounces tomato juice
11 1/2 ounces V-8® vegetable juice
1 envelope chili seasoning mix

In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in other ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 42 Calories; trace Fat (3.5% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 372mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Vegetable.

Crockpot Russian Chicken (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cups Russian salad dressing
4 packages onion soup mix
3 cups water

Label 4 gallon bags. Mix together dressing, soup mix and water. Divide chicken into 4 bags. Divide dressing mixture into 4 bags. Freeze flat.

To serve: Thaw. Cook on low for 8 hours.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 480 Calories; 24g Fat (46.0% calories from fat); 56g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 145mg Cholesterol; 1091mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 7 1/2 Lean Meat; 4 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Serving Ideas : Great with brown rice.

Chicken and Dumplings (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann Smith
Serving Size : 24
Categories : OAMC Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cans chicken broth
4 cans water
2 packages dumplings
salt and pepper -- to taste

Put chicken, broth, water, salt and pepper in stockpot. Boil until chicken is done. Remove chicken from broth. Add enough water to broth to make 1 1/2 gallons of broth. Remove dumplings from freezer. Bring broth to a boil. Separate each layer of dumplings as needed and drop 8-10 in boiling broth. Stir lightly. Let broth come back to a boil. Add 8-10 more dumplings. Continue until all dumplings are in the pot. Cook at full boil for about 6 minutes. Stir lightly to keep dumplings separated. Add cooked chicken meat back to pot. Boil 2 more minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover and wait 20-30 minutes before serving.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 131 Calories; 2g Fat (11.9% calories from fat); 27g Protein; trace Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 66mg Cholesterol; 202mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 1/2 Lean Meat.

Crockpot Lasagna (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings)

Recipe By :Cherylann Smith
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
20 lasagna noodles -- uncooked
2 pounds ground beef
1 pound sausage
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 jars spaghetti sauce
2/3 cup water
8 ounces sliced mushrooms -- optional
30 ounces ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown ground beef and sausage in skillet. Drain. Stir in Italian seasoning.

Break noodles into thirds. Place half in bottom of greased crockpot. Spread half of ground beef mixture over noodles in crockpot.
On top of beef, layer 1/2 of sauce, 1/2 of water, 1/2 of mushrooms (opt.), 1/2 of ricotta, and 1/2 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat all layers.
Cover. Cook for 5 hours on low.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 606 Calories; 29g Fat (43.6% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 58g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 80mg Cholesterol; 369mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 1/2 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 4 Fat.

Been stung at the Grocery Store Lately???

Okay, I know we've been getting hard for a long while now at the gas pumps, but food is getting outrageous, too.

On the normal average, we spend $500-600 a month on groceries (family of 6). The past 2 months, we've been hitting $600+. This is a good chunk of our income for the month.

Who can live at these rates of inflation? Around here the average COLA raise (cost of living) is about 2-5% (if any). But other things are jumping at much higher precentages. No wonder so many people are losing their homes.

The official USDA July 2007 Food costs said the average to feed MY family is:

Thrifty $680.20
Low-Cost $864.30
Moderate-Cost $1058.40
Liberal $1296.60

Okay, so by these averages, apparently I am doing pretty good at the grocery store....yeah right! Just ask our budget....he's ROFL.

Is anyone else experiencing the quandry of how to cut costs at the check out? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Don't even get me started on fast food or restaurants...this is just the actual grocery costs. Who can afford to eat out these days? Well, anyways, we can't. It costs us $20 for lunch at McD's (& such). Just for 30 days of lunches out would be $600. This doesn't include breakfast or dinner. Restaurants are even higher ($40-50 for dinner)...$1500/mo. Can you imagine?

Please share with me ways to cut down costs...I will post some of the ways I'm going to start being frugal in my next post.

What's for dinner 9/6/07

Puerto Rican Pork Chops, Green Beans with New Potatoes, Garlic Bread, Key Lime Pie.
Recipes:Puerto Rican Pork Chops
Recipe By : CherylannServing Size : 6 Categories : Main Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 6 boneless pork chops 1/2 tablespoon salt 1 1/4 tablespoons oregano 1/4 bulb garlic -- pressed 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/3 cup olive oil 1/2 cup lemon juice -- juice of 7 lemons
Wash, drain, and salt meat.
Put rest of ingredients in blender and blend well. Pour into a large bowl. Put chops into marinade; toss around.
Put 6 pork chops in each freezer bag. Freeze at this point. (Let sit overnight to cook without freezing.)
To Cook: Thaw meat overnight in fridge. Add 4 Tbsp oil to large skillet bring to medium high. Brown meat 2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium and cook about 5 minutes more turning once or twice until done.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 113 Calories; 12g Fat (92.4% calories from fat); trace Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 400mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat.
Serving Ideas : This tastes wonderful with a squirt of lime or lemon and onions sliced into rings and cooked in the same pan after the pork chops are done. I usually serve with puerto rican style rice and beans and a salad.
Green Beans with New Potatoes
Recipe By : CherylannServing Size : 6 Categories : Side Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 14 1/2 ounces chicken broth 1 soup can water 1/2 stick butter 1 teaspoon garlic salt 2 pounds fresh green beans -- trimmed and cut into 1/2" pieces 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes
Put the broth, water, butter and garlic salt in a pot and bring to a boil.
Add the beans, then reduce heat. Cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 169 Calories; 8g Fat (42.7% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 21g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 21mg Cholesterol; 646mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.
Garlic Bread
Recipe By :CherylannServing Size : 12 Categories : Breads
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 loaf fresh baked bread -- cut into 1" slices 1 stick butter 1 sprig fresh rosemary 2 cloves garlic -- pressed 1 teaspoon basil 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon savory 1 teaspoon marjoram
Preheat oven to 350°.
Put butter, garlic and spices in large microwaveable mug. Heat for one minute until melted. Stir.
Brush on all sides of bread slices.
Toast in oven.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 70 Calories; 8g Fat (95.7% calories from fat); trace Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 21mg Cholesterol; 78mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat. Key Lime Pie
Recipe By : CherylannServing Size : 8 Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 2 cups cold milk 2 packages vanilla pudding mix 2 teaspoons grated lime rind 8 ounces Cool Whip® -- thawed 6 ounces graham cracker pie crust, 9 inch lime slices
Pour milk into large bowl. Add pudding mixes and lime peel. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until smooth. Mixture will be thick. Immediately stir in 1/2 of the whipped topping. Spoon into crust.
Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and lime slices.
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 285 Calories; 11g Fat (35.2% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 44g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 485mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat; 3 Other Carbohydrates.

Decluttering like a Mad Woman

I've been outside all morning, since getting kids of to school. I have gone through about 6 bins full of stuff, so far. Probably 2 bins worth of stuff is being freecycled as soon as my messages post, about 2 ½ bins worth has been trashed, so that leaves me with about 1 ½ bins to keep. Not bad odds, I’d say.

I have at least ½ bin of fabrics to give away, ½ bin of crafts stuff (which will probably be at least 1 bin by the time it’s picked up), clothes, toys, an aquarium, and some gift wrap/bags, etc.

I am taking a little break while I am trying to get Rory to sleep. As soon as she goes, I am back to it.

Have a blessed day.~Cherylann

Up & Running Again....and Kids' Clothes Posted

Sorry, this will be a short one. I've got my phone line fixed, so I'm now online again. Have church tonight, so it will be atleast tomorrow before I have a real post for you.

I posted a few things to my kids' clothing site. Will add more tomorrow. Thanks~Cherylann