Monday, March 31, 2008

Pantry Final

Well, today, I inventoried my pantry & made a list of all the things I need to buy. I also printed a copy and put it on the side of the fridge (facing the pantry).


Inventory:

(Top)
Canisters:
Sugar pitcher
Butter cooking spray; cooking spray; baking spray; sugar
rice; koolaide; instant oatmeal pkts.
bread flour; all-purpose flour; seasoned flour; Italian bread crumbs
brown sugar; powdered sugar; splenda
self-rising flour; quick-cooking oats; baking cocoa; baking soda; decaf tea

(top row; left)
Snacks/Beverages:
Microwave popcorn & kernels
Applesauce
Hot chocolate mix
Jello & pudding mixes

(top row; middle)
Extras for Canisters:
2 Splenda
2 all-purpose flour
Quick-cooking oats

(top row; right)
Mixes, Boxes, Packets:
3 pks. onion soup
3 meatloaf season pkts.
1 taco season pkt.
1 chicken pasta
4 Ramen noodles
1 beef rice
2 pkts. Shake & Bake Italian
3 pkts. Ranch dressing mix
1 cheddar French fried onions
2 pks. stuffing cubes

(middle row; left)
Jars:
Molasses; 2 teriyaki marinade; sugar-free syrup
Light corn syrup; honey; pumpkin butter; sunflower seeds; syrup
2 cider vinegar; red wine vinegar; rice vinegar
White cooking wine, horseradish; parmesan cheese; soy sauce; EVOO

(middle row; middle)
Extras for Canisters + shortening, bisquick & cornstarch:
Splenda
Bisquick (need canister)
Cornstarch (need canister)
Shortening
2 baking soda
Baking powder (need canister)

(middle row; right)
Baking:
2 semisweet chocolate chips; 2 milk chocolate chips; white chocolate (swirled) chips
Whole almonds; pecan chips; chopped pecans
Unsweet baking chocolate
Cake mixes: yellow, carrot, orange supreme
Cream cheese frosting
5 envelopes dream whip
Miniature marshmallows
Dark brown sugar
2 pkts. Yeast

(bottom row; left)
Pasta/Dried Beans:
Elbow macaroni; lasagna noodles; 3½ bags egg noodles; wacky mac
2# pinto beans; 1# navy beans; 1# baby lima beans; 1# lentils Baby: Baby:

(bottom row; middle & right)
Baby:
nothing in those bins yet

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Pantry Update

Have tossed 3 bags full of stuff, so far (opened or expired). I have organized the cubes and the top. I actually have 2 baskets free for the baby's stuff to go in that I've bought so far (diapers & bottles) until I get the bedroom ready for her.

I will set aside things for donation, as I do the inventory:)

It looks really good....now I just have to figure out what to do with the stuff that was in the bin on the floor.

I had several character/decorative cake pans (wilton's) that I think I will wash off & hang on the wall. I will need to find a place for my food processor & blender:)

Decluttering the Pantry

I'd worked on it Thursday night, but just gave it a quick once over. Today is a deep clean:)

My pantry is a 9-cube organizer with the cloth drawers (Target).

With dh's help, I took everything off the pantry, & took out the baskets. I even took off our small microwave (we also have a full-sized one). I wiped down the top & all the shelves. I even took out everything in between the pantry & the fridge that was keeping me from opening most of the drawers.

So far, I have tossed a trash bag of expired foods. I have also put aside the microwave to send to dh's work. They already have 2, but with 15 or so men all trying to heat their meals at the same time, and only an hour lunch break (they all break at the same time), it gets backlogged. So, maybe one more will help them out a bit....just need to clean it up a bit.

I am going back in there to write down my categories of what I have (the shelves were labeled, but everything has gotten a bit jumbled up in there since labeling. So, I've already typed up a diagram to fill in the blanks, to make it easy on me to see what can go where. (I just did a 3X3 table & enlarged the squares).

I will probably be tossing more food as I go. There's lots of opened stuff that I don't know how long it's been in there:) I have already reserved the top for my "canisters" not really canisters, they are those leak-proof containers that have 4little "pop" tops to open (when I think of the name, I'll give you the website). They are great....they are square or rectangular, so they fit nicely together, rather than the round ones, that don't get close to one another.

I can't tell you how many duplicates I have of things, so the extras, plus any food we will not use will go to our local food pantry. All damaged, expired and opened foods will go to the trash.

I will also inventory what we have:)

I will report back later to let you know how I did:)

Great deals at Dollar General this week

These are the deals I'll be getting (they have more, though).

They also take coupons...the flyer says so:)

I'll be checking Wal-marts prices on these things tomorrow when I go there. I divided it into categories to make it easier for me to check. I probably won't go to Dollar General until Friday.

Grocery:
15 oz. Glory Canned Vegs 1.00
16 oz. Campbell's Chicken noodle or COM soup 1.00

Paper Products/Trash Bags:
8 rolls Bounty Basic Paper Towels 5.00
24 rolls cottonelle 6.00
Glad trash bags 5.00

Cleaners:
100 oz. Liquid Tide 5.00
16 oz. joy or dawn dish detergent 85c
182 oz. clorox 2.50
56-64 oz. Suavitel fabric softener 3.00
56 oz. Fabuloso 3.00

Beverages/Juice:
2ltr. coke products (limit 5) 90c
48 oz. Hawaiian Punch 1.00

Baby:
Luvs Diapers Jumbo size 7.00

Electronics:
9 volt Energizer battery (chk w-m 1st) 3.00

Housewares:
2 pk. bed pillows (X2) 6.00
bath rugs 4.00

Garden:
24 oz. Spectracide Grass/weed killer 3.00

Pets:
10 lb. Tidy Cats Scoop Litter 5.00

Health/Beauty:
6.4 oz. Colgate whitening toothpaste 1.50
30 ct. Band-aids 1.00

Reusable Swiffer Cloths

For the cleaning pads, I cut some fleece up into the size of the mopping surface. When you get done, you can just take them off and toss in the washer. Saves money and uses up some of those scraps:)

For cleaner, instead of buying the refills, you can spray your fleece pad or the floor with either white vinegar or lemon juice.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Kids' Easter Gifts

Ok, as you know starting for Valentine's Day, we started trying to do non-clutter gifts for our kids. Well, we did it again for Easter, with good results. The Easter Bunny even followed our lead:) As did my mom (Grammy).

Me & DH bought the kids bulbs to go in the yard (tulips & hyacinths) and took them to the movies to see Horton Hears a Who. Now, we spent $12 on 8 bulbs (2 each) and they are already blooming, $32 on the movie tickets and $10 for popcorn/drink. So, total spent was $54, or roughly $14 each. We'd have spent way more on that for toys that would've only been played with a short while, before becoming clutter.

My mom gave each of us $10 towards going to the movies together. To my knowledge, there aren't any other kids' or family movies out right now, but when one comes out, we have $60 set aside to go see it:)

We bought new buckets for the kids this year, b/c last year they got run over by daddy when they left them in the driveway. They each got a character bucket and 6 character eggs to match the buckets (littlest pet shop, disney princess, tinkerbell & spongebob). We hid the eggs in the yard & they could only find their eggs. They had $$ in them, instead of candy, which would just have rotted their teeth:) To avoid the Easter Bunny bringing another basket for each of them, we put their buckets and emptied eggs out for the EB (kind of like leaving out the stockings for Santa).

The Easter Bunny gave them a piece of candy in each egg (M&M's, Twix & Snickers)....only 6 pieces, so not much chance for cavities, lol. He also gave them a character toothbrush to match their bucket (and get rid of any sugar bugs the candy gave them). The grand finale was he went to Chuck E. Cheese's, bought them each a sports cup and filled it with 30 tokens:) So, when dh gets home from school, and gets off call, we will be taking the kids to CEC. Another non-clutter gift:)

The buckets looked pretty bare, so I was concerned, but the kids absolutely loved them:)

They did go egg hunting at church, so they got other candy, too. I let them each keep 5 pieces, and we took the rest to dh's work:) They got to keep the stickers & erasers that were in some of the eggs.

The best part of it all is that we made some family memories this year, rather than adding clutter to the house, which would just be more stress later:)

Other Areas to Tackle (Declutering) & Honey-Do List

Other Areas to Tackle (as I have extra time)


Master Bedroom:
-declutter bedroom
-declutter closet
-get rid of excess furniture
-freecycle as much as possible
-make room for baby furniture

Shed:
-declutter bins
-freecycle as much as possible
-get dh to help me arrange bins
-get baby stuff out of storage
-inventory baby stuff
-make list of things I need for baby

Back Deck:
-get Christmas bins in shed



Cherylann's Honey-Do List for DH (as he has time)


Every room in house:
- paint (one room at a time...while me & kids are gone)
-air out rooms as they get painted

Master Bedroom:
-heavy lifting
-rearranging
-pull out carpet (after I declutter)
-lay hardwood flooring (after I declutter)

Shed:
-heavy lifting
-rearranging

My Annual Chores

Annually:


January
Office:
-rework lists

Laundry Room:
-change air filter

Van:
-change oil
-rotate tires

Other:
-update property tax listing

February
Entrance:
-Plant Garden indoors
-clean outdoor windows & screens
-polish furniture

Other:
-file income taxes

March
Entrance:
-wash exterior windows
-Till garden
-clean grill
-clean patio furniture

Kitchen:
-clean fridge coils & vent
-steam clean chairs

Jacob's Bedroom:
-steam clean bed

Girls' Bedroom:
-steam rug
-steam clean beds

Master Bedroom:
-steam clean carpet
-steam clean beds

April
Entrance:
-Transplant garden
-stain deck & front porch
-inspect ac/clean

Laundry Room:
-change air filter

Van:
-change oil
-rotate tires

Other:
-set time forward
-replace smoke detector batteries
-switch wardrobes
-clean out & organize closets & drawers
-property taxes
-All rooms: Clean out heat vents

May
Entrance:
-pressure wash house
-clean exterior doors

Van:
-Registration

Other:
-All rooms: polish furniture

June
Entrance:
-wash exterior windows

Kitchen:
-steam clean chairs

Jacob's Bedroom:
-steam clean bed

Girls' Bedroom:
-steam rug
-steam clean beds

Laundry Room:
-deep clean dryer vent

Master Bedroom:
-steam clean carpet
-steam clean bed

July
Laundry Room:
-change air filter

Van:
-change oil
-rotate tires

August
Entrance:
-clean outdoor windows & screens
-polish furniture

Other:
-school shopping

September
Entrance:
-wash exterior windows
-till garden
-clean grill
-clean patio furniture

Kitchen:
-clean fridge coils & vent
-steam clean chairs

Jacob's Bedroom:
-steam clean bed

Girls' Bedroom:
-steam rug
-steam clean beds

Master Bedroom:
-steam clean carpet
-steam clean bed

Van:
-Taxes

October
Entrance:
-inspect furnace & heat pump/clean

Laundry Room:
-change air filter

Van:
-change oil
-rotate tires

Other:
-switch wardrobes
-set time back
-replace smoke detector batteries
-touch up paint
-clean gutters
-clean out & organize closets & drawers
-All rooms: Clean out heat vents

November
Entrance:
-clean exterior doors

Van:
-Inspection

Other:
-All rooms: polish furniture

December
Entrance:
-wash exterior windows

Jacob's Bedroom:
-steam clean bed

Girls' Bedroom:
-steam rug
-steam clean beds

Laundry Room:
-deep clean dryer vent

Master Bedroom:
-steam clean carpet
-steam clean bed

My Monthly Chores

Monthlies:


Week 1:
Entrance:
-get bins off deck
-bins upright with lids
-toys put away
-make sure all trash is picked up
-trash bags are in back of truck
-pet meds
-pet baths

Pantry:
-Clean top of pantry; organize; wipe down
-clean out baskets; toss expired, damaged and unwanted foods or foods with less than a serving
-clean floor between pantry & fridge
-update inventory
-update grocery list (check fridge/freezer inventories, meal plans & calendar)

Freezer:
-defrost (7th of month)

Week 2:
Kitchen:
-dust ceiling, wall corners, door jambs, knobs & hinges
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean cabinet under sink
-clean trash can cubby
-clean out oven drawer
-toss foods from fridge/freezers (unwanted, less than a serving or old condiments)
-update fridge/freezers inventories
-update grocery list (check pantry inventory, meal plans & calendar)
-clean oven
-clean hood/vent
-clean cabinets
-clean shelf
-clean top of microwave
-clean organizer
-clean baskets
-clean beside fridge
-clean buffet
-clean armoire
-clean desk
-clean microwave cart
-clean print stand
-jet dry in dishwasher
-scrub floor
-change oil in fryer
-vinegar cycle in dishwasher
-clean walls
-clean door
-clean windows (inside & out)
-vacuum floor, chairs, under furniture & baseboards
-plan menus (8th of month)
-plan grocery list (9th of month)
-shop for groceries (10th of month)
-OAMC (start on 11th of month)

Master Bedroom Closet:
-dust (don't forget ceiling, corners, door jamb)
-clean walls
-clear shelf (toss; donate)
-clear clothes rods (store; donate)
-clean floor
-straighten shoe organizer
-shine or clean shoes that need it
-vacuum
-sdac
-hang cedar freshener

Week 3:
Laundry Room:
-test smoke detector
-dust ceiling, wall corners, & door jambs
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean walls
-clean dryer vent
-clean washer hoses
-bleach cycle in washer
-scrub floor
-vacuum floor, under furniture & baseboards

Bathroom:
-dust ceiling, wall corners, door jambs, knobs & hinges
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean cabinet
-clean walls
-clean door
-scrub floor
-vacuum floor, under furniture & baseboards

Girls' Bedroom Closet:
-dust (don't forget ceiling, corners, door jamb)
-clean walls
-clear shelf (toss; donate)
-clear clothes rods (store; donate)
-clean floor
-straighten shoe organizer
-shine or clean shoes that need it
-vacuum
-sdac
-hang cedar freshener

Week 4:
Master Bedroom:
-dust ceiling, wall corners & door jambs
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean window coverings (blinds)
-clean laptop stand
-clean dresser
-clean closet
-clean gun cab.
-clean walls
-clean window & sill
-clean tv/dvd
-clean lamp
-toss old under garments
-send books to mom
-vacuum bed, under furniture & baseboards

Jacob's Bedroom Closet:
-dust (don't forget ceiling, corners, door jamb)
-clean walls
-clear shelf (toss; donate)
-clear clothes rods (store; donate)
-clean floor
-straighten shoe organizer
-shine or clean shoes that need it
-vacuum
-sdac
-hang cedar freshener

Week 5:
Jacob's Bedroom:
-test smoke detector
-dust ceiling, ceiling fan & wall corners
-clean tv/dvd
-clean window & sill
-clean walls
-toss old under garments
-scrub floor
-vacuum floor, bed, under furniture & baseboards

Office:
-dust ceiling, wall corners, door jambs, knobs & hinges
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean out drawers
-go through files
-clean front door
-clean window & sill
-clean walls
-clean scrapbook organizer
-scrub floor
-vacuum floor, chair, under furniture & baseboards

Girls' Bedroom:
-dust ceiling, wall corners & door jambs
-clean light fixtures and switches
-clean window & sill
-clean walls
-toss old under garments
-scrub floor
-vacuum floor, beds, under furniture & baseboards

Van:
-get detailed
-vacuum

Shed:
-rearrange bins

My Bi-Weekly Chores

Bi-Weeklies:


Van:
-Wash Van

My Weekly Chores

Weeklies:


Sunday
Church

Family Time

Laundry-Scott, master bedroom linens

Monday
Laundry-mine, bedroom curtains

Entrance (Driveway/Backyard/Deck):
-sort 2 bins

Front Yard:
-sort 2 bins
-cut grass (except winter)
-weedeat (except winter)
-weed garden (spring, summer only)

Tuesday
Laundry-Brea's, Brea's linens

Kitchen:
-clean out fridge (check for spoiled or expired food)
-clean out freezer
-dust
-clean off top of fridge
-clean out trash can
-clean can opener
-clean front of stove/fridge & cabinets
-wipe wall behind table
-sdac

Wednesday
Laundry-Caity's, Caity's linens

Laundry Room:
-dust
-wipe down washer & dryer
-clean top of dryer
-clean top of freezer
-clean front of freezer
-clean out freezer
-sdac

Bathroom:
-dust
-clean tub/shower
-clean mirror
-clean spacesaver and baskets
-clean towel organizer
-clear out magazine rack
-clean cabinet fronts
-organize medicine cabinet (toss anything expired)
-bleach plunger trash can
-clean out trash can
-sdac

Thursday
Errands

Laundry-Rory's, Rory's linens, girls' bedroom curtains

Master Bedroom:
-dust
-clean night stands
-straighten closet
-sort 1 bin
-vacuum
-sdac

Friday
Pay bills

Laundry-Jacob's, Jacob's linens, Jacob's curtains

Jacob's Bedroom (Living Room):
-dust
-sort socks
-clean armoire
-clean beside bed
-clean shelves
-straighten closet
-sdac

Office Area (Living Room):
-dust
-organize & declutter desk
-pay bills
-clean phone, mouse, keyboard, monitor
-purge last month's magazines
-purge last week's newspapers

Girls' Bedroom:
-dust
-clean organizer
-clean under beds
-clean shelves
-straighten closet
-clean drawers
-clean bookshelf
-change litter
-vacuum rug
-sdac

Saturday
Family Day

Laundry-Kitchen linens, curtains & rugs; bathroom linens, curtains & rugs;
laundry room rugs

Van:
-dust
-clean mirrors & windows

Shed:
-sort 2 bins

My Kids' Chores (by day)

This past week, our dishwasher quit working, so we are also going to be adding drying & putting away dishes.


Sunday:
o Caity:
o Clear table
o Help put away laundry
o Jacob:
o Clean under table
o Help put away dishes
o Brea:
o Wipe table
o Straighten Bathroom
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Monday:
o Caity:
o Wipe table
o Straighten Bathroom
o Jacob:
o Clear table
o Help put away laundry
o Brea:
o Clean under table
o Help put away dishes
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Tuesday:
o Caity:
o Clean under table
o Help put away dishes
o Jacob:
o Wipe table
o Straighten Bathroom
o Brea:
o Clear table
o Help put away laundry
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Wednesday:
o Caity:
o Clear table
o Help put away laundry
o Jacob:
o Clean under table
o Help put away dishes
o Brea:
o Wipe table
o Straighten Bathroom
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Thursday:
o Caity:
o Wipe table
o Help put away dishes
o Jacob:
o Clear table
o Straighten Bathroom
o Brea:
o Clean under table
o Help put away laundry
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Friday:
o Caity:
o Clean under table
o Straighten Bathroom
o Jacob:
o Wipe table
o Help put away laundry
o Brea:
o Clear table
o Help put away dishes
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom
Saturday:
o Caity:
o Wipe table
o Help put away dishes
o Jacob:
o Clear table
o Straighten Bathroom
o Brea:
o Clean under table
o Help put away laundry
o All:
o Straighten Bedroom

My Daily Routine & Daily Chores

Daily Routine:
o Prayers
o Check calendar, to-do list and budget
o Shower, wash face, brush hair, brush teeth, deodorant, get dressed to shoes
o Wake kids by 5:20 am!
o Pray; Breakfast
o Help kids with Morning Routine
o Leave house to take kids to school by 7 am!
o Feed animals (Pongo, Buck, dogs, Bennie)
Let Buck out for exercise/potty
o Check computer-15 minutes!
o Chore Folder
o Water plants
o 27-fling boogie
o Pray; Lunch
o wash face & hands, brush teeth
o nap
o Phone calls, set appointments; Work (CJS, PC), Projects/hobbies, CJ
o Wake up kids
o Leave house to pick kids up by 1:15 pm!
o Check backpacks & folders
o Help kids with after school routine
o Check tomorrow's calendar
o Make tomorrow's to-do list
o Lay out tomorrow's clothes
o Hot spots
o Help kids with Dinner Routine
o Pray; dinner
o Check kids' chore lists
o Help kids with Before Bed Routine
o 5 minute room rescue in zone
o Kids in bed by 7:30 pm!
o Wash face, lotion feet, brush teeth & floss, pajamas
o Personal time
o Check alarm clock
o Devotional, Read Bible
o Prayers & bed by 10pm!



Daily Chores:

Carry throughout house:
1. Put away bin
2. Give away bin
3. Toss (trash can)


Entrance (which includes driveway/backyard/deck/back door):
-sweep deck
-shake mats
-clear all surface clutter
-make sure entrance is clear and inviting

Kitchen:
-prepare breakfast
-prepare lunch
-prepare dinner
-make lunches while putting away left overs
-clear counters/wipe
-clear buffet/wipe
-clear all surface clutter
-clear table/wipe
-clean under table
-wipe stove top
-wipe out microwave (if used)
-wash dishes until done
-dry dishes
-put away all dishes
-unhook dishwasher
-wipe down sinks
-prep for breakfast (set table, put out non-perishable items, empty coffee filter/pot; refill & reset
coffee maker)
-prep crockpot or thaw food in fridge
-take out trash
-sweep & mop

Jacob's Bedroom (Living Room):
-make bed
-pick up clothes & shoes
-pick up toys
-pick up books
-pick up movies
-pick up any trash
-clear all surface clutter
-sweep/mop
-take out trash

Office Area (Living Room):
-clean desk top
-toss junk mail
-file bills/important mail
-file 10 papers (until done)
-clear all surface clutter
-take out trash

Girls Bedroom:
-make beds (3)
-pick up clothes & shoes
-pick up toys
-pick up books
-pick up any trash
-clear all surface clutter
-sweep/mop
-take out trash

Laundry Room:
-Clean floor
-wash, dry, fold & put away laundry (each person has a designated laundry day)
-clear all surface clutter
-sweep/mop
-take out trash
-straighten rugs

Bathroom:
-wipe counter & sink
-swish & swipe toilet
-refill toilet paper roll
-pick up trash
-clear all surface clutter
-sweep/mop
-straighten rugs
-take out trash

Master Bedroom:
-make bed
-pick up clothes & shoes
-put away or freecycle 10 items that do not belong
-pick up 10 pieces of trash
-clear all surface clutter
-take out trash

Van:
-put away 10 things that dont belong
-toss 10 pieces of trash
-empty trash

Homekeeping lists

Ok, I know a couple of my friends have been having trouble knowing what needs to be done in their homes (cleaning/decluttering wise). I have had this trouble in the past as well. I have come up with lists with what to do (in my home) & how often, so I thought I'd share.

Now keep in mind, my lists are just a guide line, they are not to be used as your own, because, my lists will not fit your home, lifestyle, time, etc. For example, I have a very small home and a big family. So, you won't find a living room, dining room, family room, etc on my list, because I don't have those rooms.

Now, how I came up with my list, was for my routine, I listed everything I thought I needed to do daily.

For my chores, I went and sat down in each room (or area--van, outside, etc), one by one, looked around and listed EVERY chore that would need to be done at some point over a year's time. I went around the room/area in a circle listing the chores. Then I decided how often I thought they would need to be done (daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly, less than monthly or annually). I also put besides some of the chores the ones I thought my children could do (I don't want them to not know where to begin when they get out on their own).

Now, my lists are long and detailed, but that's how I need them to be. Also, I am a sahm, so I am able to spend more time than those of you who work outside the home. Now, I am no where near saying my house is spotless:) Kids have a way of undoing the best of intentions, lol.

I am going to post each of my lists separately (except my daily routine & daily chores, those I'll post together).

I hope this helps someone that may have trouble knowing where to begin:)

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

My Review of Scenario™ 220-TC Cotton Bedding - in Mix or Match Decorator Colors

Originally submitted at BrylaneHome

Scenario – The Colors of BrylaneHome®

Our solid-color bedding collection just keeps getting better! Pure supple cotton in a crisp 220-thread count - feel the difference the moment you slip into bed. Pillows are polyfilled. Machine wash. Imported.

Sheet Set: include...


Garnet Scenario 220TC Cotton Beddding

By cats from NC on 3/26/2008

 

5out of 5

Pros: Nice Thread Count, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Everyday Bedding

Describe Yourself: Bargain Hunter, Practical, Stylish

Matches the quilt I bought.

(legalese)

My Review of Rolling Pet Food Bins

Originally submitted at BrylaneHome

Our Rolling Bins are ideal for everything from charcoal to pet food – anything you need to keep handy and mobile. Store a big bag of charcoal, or bulk-buy pet chow or birdseed – to help seal out moisture. For pet food, etc. it’s ideal for sealing out moisture, bugs and vermin. Constructed of strong...


44qt Rolling Pet Food Bins

By cats from NC on 3/26/2008

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Lots of Storage, Easy to Use, Very Protective, Attractive Design

Cons: Wish it were sturdier

Best Uses: Dog food storage outside

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Practical, Bargain Hunter

I use it outdoors to store my dog food. Even in heavy rains, it has not leaked.

(legalese)

My Review of Embroidered Eyelet Bedskirt & Shams

Originally submitted at BrylaneHome

Embroidered Eyelet Bedskirt & Shams With Lavish Scroll Design. Our embroidered eyelet bedding is more beautiful than ever with a lovely scroll pattern - and see how marvelously it enhances the beauty of our quilts. Polyester/cotton platform. Machine wash/dry. Imported. In White or Ivory.


By from on 3/26/2008

 

out of 5

(legalese)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Easter Menu, Recipes & Grocery List

Easter Menu (*=recipe):
o Pork Roast (mom)
o Greasy Rice (mom)
o Deviled eggs*
o Green beans
o Turnip greens
o Corn
o Butter beans
o Potato salad*
o Baked Macaroni & Cheese*
o Homemade rolls*
o Strawberry Cream Trifle*
o Chocolate Chess Pie*
o Easter Cookies (kids making from store bought dough)
o Lemon Meringue Pie*
o Tea (sweet & unsweet)
o Lemonade (splenda)*
o Water

Easter Recipes:
Deviled Eggs

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 eggs
mayonnaise -- as needed to moisten yolk mixture--do NOT add
too much. You can always add more as needed.
2 Tablespoons relish
paprika -- for garnish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard -- optional

Place eggs in cold water to cover in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat and leave eggs in covered pot of hot water 15 minutes. Drain eggs, refill with cold water. Remove shells.

Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks. In small bowl, mash yolks, mayonnaise, relish and mustard. Fill eggs with yolk mixture.

Sprinkle with paprika.

Potato Salad

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Salads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
9 white potatoes -- peeled and cubed
12 tablespoons Hellman's mayonnaise
6 tablespoons relish -- drained
salt and pepper -- to taste
paprika -- to taste
4 hard-boiled eggs -- shelled and sliced, optional

Boil potatoes; drain. Add mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Top with eggs, if desired. Sprinkle with paprika.

NOTES : If more mayonnaise or relish is needed, add in increments of 1 Tablespoon at a time.

Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese
Recipe by: Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 ounces elbow macaroni – cooked and drained
36 ounces processed American cheese -- cut up
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to broil.

Add processed cheese, milk and pepper to macaroni; mix well. Cook on low heat until cheese is melted, stirring frequently.

Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Add macaroni and cheese mixture to dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put in oven, checking every few minutes. Take out when cheddar cheese is melted and golden brown.

Yeast Rolls

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Biscuits & Rolls

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 cups bread flour -- 6-8 cups
2 packets dry yeast
2 cups milk
1 Tablespoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs -- beaten

In a large mixing bowl, mix 4 cups. of flour with the yeast. Set aside. Pour the milk, salt, oil and sugar into a pot, stirring to mix, and place over medium heat until lukewarm. Pour the milk mixture into the flour and yeast; beat until smooth. Add the eggs, stirring hard to mix well (use your hands). One cup at a time, add as much of the remaining flour as needed to form a soft dough. Put the dough on cutting block. Let it rise to double its size. Knead dough 12-15 times. Roll out on floured block until about 1/2" thick. Cut rolls. Place rolls in a lightly greased baking pan. Let rise again until doubled in size. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Old-Fashioned Pound Cake

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Cakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
3 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 eggs
1/2 cup half and half

Preheat oven to 350°.

Grease and coat with sugar, 2-8" loaf pans or one 10" fluted tube pan.

In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Set aside.

Cream together butter, powdered sugar and vanilla.

Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mixture should be light and fluffy.

Mix in half of flour mixture until smooth. Blend in half and half. Beat in remaining dry ingredients until smooth.

Pour cake batter into pans.

Bake for 45-75 minutes (depending on pan size), or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool in pan about 10 minutes before removing.

Strawberry Cream Trifle

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Cakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup sliced almonds -- toasted and chopped
1 pound cake -- baked; cut into 1" cubes
1 quart fresh strawberries -- reserve one for garnish
16 ounces frozen sliced strawberries in syrup -- thawed
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
24 ounces strawberry yogurt
1 package cheesecake instant pudding
8 ounces Cool Whip® -- thawed, divided
powdered sugar

Hull all but one strawberry and cut into quarters. Combine fresh and thawed strawberries; mix well.

Whisk lemon juice, yogurt and pudding ix until smooth; immediately fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip.

To assemble trifle, place 1/3 of the cake cubes into bottom of trifle bowl. Top with 1/3 strawberry mixture. Top with 1/2 of the yogurt mixture, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the almonds. Repeat layers one time. Top with remaining cake cubes and strawberry mixture.

To garnish, spread remaining Cool Whip over top of trifle, forming a flat surface. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Create strawberry fan with reserved strawberry; place in center of trifle.
Chocolate Chess Pie
Recipe by: Cherylann
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup cocoa
1 stick butter
pinch salt
9 inch pie shell -- unbaked

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine cocoa, butter and milk in saucepan.

Cook over low heat until smooth.

Remove from heat, add sugar, eggs and vanilla; beat well.

Pour into unbaked pie shell.

Bake 30 minutes or until well done.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Pies & Cheesecakes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 egg yolks
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons lemon peel -- finely shredded
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 Tablespoons sugar
1 9 inch pie crust -- baked

Preheat oven to 350°.

For filling, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, cornstarch and a dash of salt. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups water. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Cook and stir 2 more minutes. Remove from heat. Lightly beat egg yolks with a fork. Gradually stir about half of the hot filling into the beaten yolks. Return egg yolk mixture to the remaining hot filling in saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and lemon peel. Gently stir in lemon juice. Keep warm while preparing meringue.

In large mixing bowl, combine egg whites, vanilla and cream of tartar. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon at a time, beating on High speed about 4 minutes more or until mixture forms stiff peaks and sugar is dissolved.

Pour warm filling into baked pie crust. Immediately spread meringue over warm filling, sealing to edges. Bake 15 minutes. Cool for 1 hour on a wire rack. Chill 3-6 hours before serving.

Lemonade

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Beverages

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 1/2 quarts water
2 1/2 cups sugar
4 small lemons -- sliced

Fill 1 gallon jar 3/4 of water. Add sugar. Stir until sugar is melted. Add lemons. Fill jar with water and chill.

Easter Grocery List:

Produce:
o White potatoes
o 1 quart fresh strawberries
o 8 lemons

Frozen:
o Mini corn on cob
o 16 oz. frozen sliced strawberries in syrup
o 8 oz. Cool Whip
o 4 deep dish pie shells (recipes only call for 2, but this is in case it makes too much filling, like it did at Thanksgiving)

Condiments:
o Mayonnaise
o Relish
o Dijon mustard

Canned Goods:
o Green beans
o Turnip greens
o Butter beans

Pasta/Boxed Goods:
o 24 oz. elbow macaroni
o 36 oz. Velveeta cheese

Baking/Spices:
o Paprika
o Salt
o Pepper
o Bread flour
o 2 packets dry yeast
o Sugar
o Vanilla
o Cocoa
o Vegetable oil
o 1 pkg. cheesecake instant pudding
o Powdered sugar
o ½ cup sliced almonds
o All-purpose flour
o Baking powder
o Nutmeg
o Cornstarch
o Cream of tartar

Dairy:
o Easter Cookie dough
o 3 doz. eggs
o 1 gallon milk
o 1 lb. unsalted butter
o 24 oz. strawberry yogurt
o 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
o ½ cup half and half

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Chili Cheese Dog Casserole

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Casseroles

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package cornbread mix
1 can hot dog chili
1 package hot dogs -- sliced lengthwise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
chopped onions -- optional

Preheat oven to 350°.

Prepare corn bread mix according to package directions. Pour half the mix in a greased casserole dish. Place sliced hot dogs, on top of the mix. Pour can of chili over the hot dogs, and sprinkle with cheese. Pour remaining mix over the cheese.

Cook for 1 hour.