26 January 2012

Post It Notes -- Those Nifty Little Gadgets

By Sinea Pies

Don't you just love alternate uses for everyday items? Like using a coffee filter as a popcorn bowl. We did that all the time at the office, before mini-microwave popcorn was invented.


Well, how about Post-It®'s? Whatever would we do without them? WISH I HAD INVENTED THEM! Who DID invent them?  
Previously only available in light yellow 3 inch by 3 inch pads, they now come in just about every size, shape and color imaginable. So, let's repurpose them a little bit. Put your thinking caps on!
Post-Its 
Photo: twobee freedigitalphotos.net
How about these?
  1. Bookmarks: stickies are so easy to just pop in wherever you left off! Use them in magazines, too. Label the ends to help you find that favorite recipe or best article.
  2. Cable Tags: before removing the cables from your computer or other electronics, label where they go! Makes life so much easier when you put things back together again. Just write where it came from and then wrap it around the cord.
  3. Clean Your Computer Keyboard: use the sticky side of the post-it to swipe through the rows of keys, grabbing lint and crumbs along the way.
  4. Computer Desktop: this can mean one of two things. Either literally stick a note to the computer screen or download software that allows you to put stickies on the desktop electronically. I love mine! Software: TK8 Sticky Notes* (Not an endorsement of a specific product, just an example.) 
  5. Flags a Stack of Papers: use sticky notes as index tabs. If I don't have the micro-minis on hand, I just cut the next size up in half! Waste not, want not.
  6. Labels: label food in the refrigerator to identify contents, when it was first made and who can eat it (or not).
  7. Storyboarding: use stickies on a white board at a planning meeting. (Sure, you could use dry erase markers or a smart board but this is about STICKIES!) 
  8. Unique Reminders: Post-It® notes are great for reminders. Put them on your mirror for first thing in the morning or on the dashboard of your car. You'll never pull out leaving your lunch behind again.
What uses for Post-It® notes can you think of? 
 Re-purposing Masterpiece



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25 January 2012

Personalized M&M's 10% Off

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Personalized M&M's in pink, red, purple and white are just the neatest gift for Valentine's Day! Give them in a beautiful jar or giftbox or bake them in a scrumptious snack. Whatever you do, they will have special meaning with your loving message written on them.


Photo credit: Love from the Oven


More than once I have thought about how cool it would be to give them to my family and friends but it was too late to do anything about it!  This year I found an ad in the Sunday coupons that tipped me off in time.  The advertising slogan says "TURN YOUR Sweet Nothings INTO Sweet Somethings WITH MY M&M’s®"


How to Get Them: Visit their website and select the gift you want to send. You can add your own message to the candies... or even a photo! There are all sorts of sweet possibilities for you this Valentine's Day. 

Click here for the My M&M’s® website  


PROMO: Get 10% OFF orders of $25.00 or more* Promo Code: CRUSH10 or get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $75.00 or More* Promo Code: CRUSHSHIP . *Check their site for promo details.

M&M’s® have an amazing history!  
History of M&M's: M&M® Candies
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23 January 2012

Sweet and Sour Pork


By Sinea Pies 
Homemade sweet and sour pork is a family favorite. The recipe that I use is nothing like you get in Chinese restaurants, though. In fact, it is more Polynesian than Chinese. 


Whatever the case, I was introduced to it by a childhood friend. Soon as I took that first bite I LOVED it and asked for the recipe. Gee, that was in the '70's so I certainly have made it 300 or more times since then.  
Told you it's good!


Sweet and Sour Pork
Serves 2 in my family...4 in anyone elses!

Ingredients
6 boneless pork chops
2 T cooking oil
1 green pepper
1 ripe tomato
1 can pineapple chunks
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup (or more) cider vinegar
1-2 T soy sauce
1 T corn starch
dash ground ginger
Directions 
  • Heat skillet on medium-high with the oil. 
  • Core the green pepper, discarding the seeds and stem, and cut it into 1 inch squares. 
  • Add to the skillet and "stir fry" for about 2 minutes. 
  • Cut pork into squares about 1 inch in diameter, add them to the skillet and cook, turning them over frequently.  
  • When they are nearly cooked through, add brown sugar and ginger and "stir fry" a bit more.  
  • Drain the pineapple, reserving the juice. 
  • Add pineapple to the skillet and heat through.
  • Put the corn starch in a small cup and add pineapple juice and blend until you have a thin paste.  Add to skillet.  The sauce should thicken.  If it is still too thin, make another little cornstarch mix and add some more to the skillet.
  • Right before serving, cut up the tomato into bite-size pieces and add to the skillet. Gently mix through and allow to heat for 2-3 minutes. 
Serve on rice.  Put the bottle of soy sauce on the table for those who want to sprinkle some on top.

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20 January 2012

Organizing Tax Documents


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Taxes! Don't you hate 'em? All that paperwork and for what? 
If I have money coming back, I start thinking about getting my paperwork together on January 1st and eagerly watch for the W-2 to show up so I can get my taxes done. If I anticipate that I may owe...well, it's lots harder to get going. 
  • February? 
  • March? 
  • April 14 @ 11:00pm?  
Whenever it gets done, though, the pain will be lessened if everything is already in order. Here's advice from Lisa Mason on just how to do it: 
Photo credit: Robert Cochran - freedigitalphotos.net 

Whether you are scrambling to get your documents together for last year's taxes or just planning to do things better for this year, the key to a less stressful tax return is organization. Being organized doesn't have to mean complicated filing systems but it does mean you have to give up the "file pile" mentality. 

There are some simple steps you can take to simply the tax preparation process while keeping your sanity.
Most people can use a 3-folder system. Income, deductions and investments are the three major categories you will need. This is a great way to stay organized so that you can always find what you need when you need it. 

If you have others, make folders for them as you deem appropriate. Let's look at what goes into each folder.

Income
Create one file for all sources of income. This file should hold pay stubs, tips, dividends, distributions, rental income. If you have numerous sources, you may want to have several folders and group them logically. Each folder should have a tally sheet where you record each item as you file it. It makes it easier to total everything at year's end then to wade through the stacks of paper. If you've been diligent, all the documents are in one place for reference and the details are entered on the tally sheet for easy processing.
Deductions
Store anything that can be deducted such as mortgage interest, child care expenses, medical expenses, non-refundable work-related expenses. As with income, it may be easier to manage with multiple folders. Tally sheets for each category of expense can reduce compilation time come April. While you may not feel like taking the time, it will pay off once you see how much time you save later.
Investments
IRAs, Roth contribution records and distribution records if you've started collecting from various plans are all important documents. Grouping them by how they are taxed: tax-deferred, non-taxable and taxable invests, can simplify the process.

When it is time to do the prep work, review each folder, total the numbers for each category and fill in the blanks on your itemized return. Match W2s and 1099s with your records, checking for any discrepancies. A little preparation all year long can save headaches at filing time.

Taxes do not have to bring you stress and worry. When you take some time throughout the year to prepare, it makes it all easier when tax time comes around.

About the Author:
Lisa Mason is a freelance writer with a specialty in Internet content and SEO articles and the author of How to Earn a Living Writing for the Internet. 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_A_Mason
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18 January 2012

Notebooks -- The Organizing Tool I Won't Do Without! Will you?

By Sinea Pies
Remember when "notebooks" were just notebooks?  They had two covers, a top and a bottom, and paper in between?  Well, though the computer-age has brought us some wonderful tools, including laptops (notebooks), I still love a brand new pad of paper...the cuter or prettier the better!


So, what about you? Have you gone all-technology or are you still drawn to the colorful, quaint or even elegant notebooks on the office-supplies aisle? Do you get excited about a never-been-written-on pad of paper, fresh from the shelf? Me too!
Notebooks for Every Occasion
Photo credit: Business Wife & Life
There is something to be said about notebooks...the paper kind. They are inexpensive compared to their electronic counterparts. If you get bored with one, just buy another one with a new look! And, depending on the contents, you can leave them lying around without too much concern that someone will take it!

Ecosystem's Colorful Notebooks 
Their value? Priceless! Notebooks are a time management, organizing tool that can be a key to success. Use them for reminders, lists, schedules, deep thinking, ideas, even BRILLIANT ideas. 

Styles? Spiral, spiral with dividers, top-spiral steno style, side spiral, adhesive bound, hard cover (journals), large, medium, small, micro-mini. And they come with covers that are uniquely different as we are! One for every taste.

HEY, TEACHERS: have you yet discovered the MAGNETIC NOTEBOOK PAPER that attaches to a white board? So cool!


And, Do-It-Yourself-ers? Here are some beautiful DIY Notebooks that you will love on Serenity You.

Do you use paper notebooks? What kind do you like? What is your favorite use?


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13 January 2012

Chills? Warm Things Up This Winter!

Chills? Shivering cold? Drafty? If this sounds familiar, you've got to be uncomfortable (Did someone say "miserable?") Wintertime can be oh-so cozy if you just make the environment right. Here are some ways that you can warm things up and feel better in the process!
Chills? Bundle Up for the Cold!
Photo credit Stuart Miles Freedigitalphotos.net


Blankets and Throws: curl up with a good book and a fluffy blanket. There are several styles that are particularly comfy. Plush fleece, high pile (I love this Jungle Theme Blanket for kids), and soft mink (not real mink but very luxurious). 


Corn Bags: these nifty little bean bags are often filled with corn or some kind of grain. Microwave the bag and use it as a heating pad. If you like your feet to be warm at night, slip one in your bed and be cozy warm all night long! (Note: do not over-warm it.)


Bundle Up: when going outdoors in cold climates, dress warm and in layers. Remember your hat/hood, warm coat, insulated gloves or mittens, warm shoes or boots and a scarf. 


Draft Guard: if you're the thrifty, home improvement type, ending the drafts is on your mind! Get a "draft stopper" for your outside doors. You'll feel the heat staying in and save on your utility bill in the process!


Heating Pads: they come in the standard flat style or for your neck & shoulders but heating pads will do the trick!


Fuzzy Slippers: when your feet are warm enough, the rest of you will feel much warmer as well. Try some fur lined slippers. So soft and your feet will be warm!


Electric Fireplaces Keep You Warm and Glowing!
Glowing Fire: if you have a fireplace in your home, put some logs on and get that thing going. Don't have one? Do you know that the new electric fireplaces are very attractive, with flames that look as if they are a real gas fireplace, and they emit some heat? My daughter has one and it's beautiful.

Space Heater: when used properly, an electric space heater can really take the chill out of a room. Be sure to read the directions and use them properly to avoid accidents or fire.


Hot Coffee!
Photo: Digitalart from Freedigitalphotos.net
Warm that Cup: ah, what a good cup of coffee or some tasty hot chocolate can do on a cold winter's night! I learned this one at my favorite pancake-house restaurant, Perkins: pre-heat your coffee cup before pouring in the coffee. That way your beverage will not lose it's heat. 


Snuggie: along the same line as a cozy blankie, a Snuggie is a blanket that you wear!  They come in blue, pink, camel, camoflage, leopard, zebra and others. You can also get Snuggies for Kids including Princess, Youth NFL and Spiderman Snuggies! (Check out the video below for Snuggies for DOGS!)


Take a Hot Shower: take a long, luxurious bath or shower in very warm water and, after drying off, put on some comfy pj's or sweats to keep the heat in!


Cuddle with Someone You Love: this may be the best idea of all. When you get out that fuzzy blanket and set a roaring fire in the fireplace, cuddle up with your honey.  No honey? Let the dog up on the couch. She'll cuddle with you! :)


And, yes, there are SNUGGIES FOR DOGS!  Yup! Catch a glimpse in this video! (Reading this in an email? Just click on the title to go to the blogpost to see the video.)



How do you stay warm in the winter? Leave a comment below...and share your favorite links as well in your comment or in the Linky Party!

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Family Photos - What To Do With Them - Overrun by so many wonderful family photos but at a loss for what to do with them? Here are some great suggestions.


Meatballs-A Delicious Warm-Me-Up Meal for a Cold Winter's Night -- a good warm dinner will surely help!


Top 20 Diets to Lose Weight- organizing is more than getting your stuff in order. It's about getting life in order. Let's start the New Year by organizing your eating and the pounds will melt off. :)


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11 January 2012

Living a Luxurious Life at Half the Price -- Posh on a Budget

This week's Wonderful Wednesday highlight is a nifty little website called "Posh on a Budget".  "Little" might not be the right phrase...their Facebook following is over 14,800 fans and growing daily! They're not so little.
Why, you might ask, would so many find this worth following? Posh on a Budget gives you the inside scoop on deals that can spice up your life without spending a fortune to do it! 


We all love pretty things, trendy accessories, neat little gadgets. 
Posh on a Budget tells you just where to find treasures at the right price so that you still have money in your pocket after you buy them!
Fashion Finds
Couponing Tips
Deals
Freebies & Giveaways
Savings Galore!
Stop by Posh on a Budget and you'll see what I'm talking about. Subscribe and become a Facebook Fan to keep up on the best of the affordably-best out there. (And, bloggers, they have a list of daily BLOG HOPS as well!)
Speaking of HOPS...enter your latest blog post to our Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop below! Lets start the year making friends and getting subscribers. Be sure to visit some of the sites, add great comments, subcribe and LIKE Fanpages of those you want to visit again and again!


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09 January 2012

Meatballs-A Delicious Warm-Me-Up Meal for a Cold Winter's Night



What do you serve your family on a cold winter's night? We have a number of tummy-warming favorites but there are some days that there can only be one: Spaghetti and Meatballs! Nothing else will do!


Two of my best friends are Italian, Rosemary and Annie Marie. They make it all from scratch and it tastes wonderful! Any restaurant would be proud. 
My version is less authentic. Partially homemade, partially Prego. It won't win awards but it's very easy and my family likes it a lot. Try this on for a size!
Photo: Creative Commons
Homemade Meatballs
Makes 12 meatballs
1 lb 90% lean ground beef
1/4 cup unflavored bread crumbs
1 eggs
generous dash of dried onion flakes
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
dash oregano
dash dried parsley flakes

Mush it all together and form into meatballs approximately 2 inches in diameter. Put on foil-covered baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees until juices run out. Place the meatballs in saucepan of piping hot spaghetti sauce.

The Spaghetti Sauce
1 jar Prego Traditional flavor sauce
1 small can tomato paste
1 tsp. sugar
Add garlic powder and dried basil to taste
Add water and stir until it is the desired consistency.

Prepare a box of spaghetti, per the directions on the box, and voila! You have a wonderful hot meal for a cold winter's night. Serve it with a tossed salad and some Italian bread with butter on the side.


Some more great meatball recipes:
Do you have a favorite "warm-me-up" recipe?
Tell us about it in the comments and feel free to add a link, too! 

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06 January 2012

Take Control--Clean a Drawer!

By Sinea Pies

 Did the holidays leave you feeling overwhelmed? Regain control -- clean a drawer! My kitchen has several drawers. One for cooking utensils, one for silverware and then there’s "the other one." 
Overwhelmed?
Photo by ningmilo freedigitalphotos.net

The “other one” has been unfortunately named “the junk drawer” and I think it believes it. It gets junkie really fast. What it should contain is pens, pencils, scotch tape, safety pins, new birthday candles, bottle opener, can opener and maybe a notepad.  What it often contains is beyond imagination. When I found out I would be guest blogging, this topic was the obvious choice. The junk drawer needs to be brought back under control!

Organizing a drawer shouldn’t be a big deal.  After all, it is just one drawer!  Then, why do we let them get this far?

First of all, it’s not all our fault. Kitchen drawers are handled many times a day by a number of users. Each person has a different interest in its contents and doesn’t care at all what condition it’s left in, just as long as they find what they need. With that many “helpers”, it doesn’t take long for a neat, organized drawer to become a tangled mess.

Second, clutter sneaks up on you. You don’t notice it right away, until it gets really bad.

Great Organizing Secret: when life is spinning out of control, clean a drawer. That’s right. Organizing even one drawer gives you a momentary success, sense of accomplishment and peace. See? There is at least one thing that you can control. Organizing a drawer can be downright therapeutic! 

How to do it:
Multi-task. Select a time that you will be waiting in the kitchen, anyway.  While you’re waiting for the coffee to perk may be a good time.  Or how about while you’re waiting for something in the oven to get done. Those are good times to tackle this little project.  It should take 10 minutes, or less. 

Yikes! How'd I let it get this bad?
Set Up Stations: Toss It, Back in Drawer, Put Away.
Tip the drawer onto the towel and start sorting.
Final Result...a lovely, organized kitchen drawer!
FIRST STEPS:
  1. Clear a space on the kitchen counter or table. 
  2. Lay a dishtowel out and tip the drawer over onto it.  (If you use kitchen drawer dividers, pull them out and tip their contents onto the towel, then scoop out the rest of the drawer’s contents to add to the pile.)
  3. Tilt the empty drawer over the sink or waste basket to get out the crumbs and residue.
  4. Take a damp sponge, soaked with Orange Cleaner and clean the drawer out. 
  5. Dry it.
  6. Do the same for your separators.  Soap them up, rinse them and dry them. (If they are made of wood, use Pledge or wood cleaner instead of soapy water.)
  7. Put the drawer back in place.
  8. Add the clean dividers.
Now, turn your attention to the stuff on the counter.
You will be sorting three groups: throw away, put away or back in drawer.

Throw away
Bring your waste basket right up next to you. Start picking out the scrap papers, old plastic bag ties, expired coupons and other trash. Quickly rifle through it, sorting out the trash and toss it in the garbage.

Put away
Some things undoubtedly have shown up in that drawer that don’t belong there. Use a bowl or small container for the “put away” group.  If they go in a different drawer in the kitchen, quickly lay them aside on the counter to take care of in a minute.  The items that don’t belong in the kitchen at all go in the bowl to be carted to where they do belong when this job is over.

Back in drawer
Finally, put the items back that do belong in the drawer.  Make it neat, stand back and look.  Ahhh.  Feels good. Ten minutes and the job is done! 

So, do you have any little tricks to get an element of control back into your busy life? Leave a comment and share 'em here!
Article first printed as a guest post by me,  Sinea Pies, on Angela Coffman’s The Grocery Shrink April 2011 Title: "How to Organize Your Kitchen Drawer in 10 Minutes or Less"


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